The Ghana Association of Certified and Registered Anesthetists (GACRA) has announced that over 30% of its members will leave the country for greener pastures in 2023.
Apart from the alarming numbers, the report said that many hard-working, skilled and experienced CRAs have left the profession, and that “this is causing undue stress to the few left behind”. It pointed out.
Mr Nwisangula stated this at GACRA’s 5th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference held in Bolgatanga on the following themes: Policy direction and regulation. ”
GACRA Chairman James Nwisangula said the situation could worsen further and affect the practice of anesthesia.
“I have heard that many people, including some of those attending the meeting, intend to resign.”
He cited lack of career progression, poor working conditions, unfair placement on a single-spine pay scale, lack of work structure, and regulatory challenges as contributing factors to the exodus of skilled labor.
Mr Nwisangura said there were about 1,200 CRAs in Ghana, serving more than 32 million people.
“This brings the ratio to 1:26, or 650.43. This is an unfortunate situation that clearly demonstrates the magnitude of CRA’s efforts.”
Regarding the importance of their work in health care delivery, he said their areas of expertise include resuscitation of the sick, injured, critically ill, newborns and people in intensive care units.
“This can only be done by a trained anesthesia provider, a CRA or anesthesiologist, and not by anyone else. ” he emphasized.
Mr Nwisangula, who was re-elected as association president for a further four-year term at the meeting, expressed concern over poor working conditions, particularly the lack of accommodation and inadequate workplace facilities.
He said GACRA has submitted a comprehensive terms and conditions document to the Fair Wage and Compensation Commission (FWSC) and is awaiting negotiations.
He said that although the rules of engagement had been signed by both sides, there had been undue delays in the negotiation process.
“FWSC, employers and stakeholders need to accelerate the process to improve working conditions for CRAs.”
Mr. Nwisangura further noted that the association has observed a sharp rise in diseases that were not previously common among the population, such as cancer, kidney and liver cases in Ghana.
He said research has shown that the disease is caused by pollution of rivers and water bodies due to illegal mining activities, uncontrolled use of chemicals on farms, drug abuse and high consumption of alcohol and drugs by young people. Stated.
The association called on the government to make practical efforts to control illegal mining and the use of toxic chemicals on agricultural land to save lives.
Dr. Samuel Kwabena Boaji Boateng, Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, read the speech on his behalf and said that given the exodus of medical professionals abroad in search of greener pastures, the conference He said the theme was most appropriate and timely. .
He said if this trend is not stopped, it will have dire consequences for the health status of the population.
He appreciated the importance and valuable role of anesthetists in the delivery of quality healthcare.
“The migration of anesthesiologists and other health professionals to other countries in search of better service conditions should be a source of concern for all people living in Ghana, and we believe that this is going unchecked and is being minimized. If we fail to do so, it will impact access to quality healthcare and negatively impact our health status,” he said.
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