The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU) has called on the government to urgently address their longstanding concerns.

Despite the Ministry of Health (MoH) urging MELPWU to end its nationwide strike, which began on June 17, 2024, and return to negotiations, the strike persists due to inadequate working conditions for its members.

On Tuesday, June 18, the Manhyia Government Hospital suspended planned surgeries and closed its theatre in response to the strike. According to sources at the facility, only emergency surgeries were being performed. Patients seeking lab services were left stranded, confronted with red bands and strike notices at the hospital’s laboratories.

In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, Dr. Franklyn Armah, First Vice Chairman of MELPWU, expressed hope for a swift resolution, allowing members to return to work.

“I wish that duty bearers will quickly rally around and call us to the table so that we can iron out the issues and go back to work as quickly as possible,” he stated.