The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) is demanding urgent national action to protect healthcare professionals following a physical assault on a senior staff midwife by relatives of a patient at the Community 22 Polyclinic in Tema. The incident has ignited calls for enhanced security measures and a comprehensive national policy to prevent workplace violence in healthcare settings across Ghana.
Context of the Assault
The GRNMA received reports of the physical assault with deep concern, condemning the act as “uncultured, unacceptable and criminal.” The association emphasized that healthcare workers should never face intimidation, threats, harassment, or physical violence while providing essential services.
This incident underscores a growing problem of violence against healthcare workers in Ghana, where facilities are meant to be sanctuaries of healing but are increasingly becoming sites of fear for those who serve.
GRNMA’s Demands for Enhanced Security
In response to the attack, the GRNMA has urged the management of the Tema Polyclinic to immediately bolster its security arrangements. Key recommendations include increasing the presence of security personnel at critical service points.
The association also called for the implementation of stricter visitor management and access control systems. Establishing rapid response protocols for violent incidents and ensuring the installation and maintenance of surveillance systems are further proposed measures.
Regular security risk assessments were also highlighted as crucial for safeguarding staff from potential harm.
Call for National Policy and Government Action
Describing violence against nurses and midwives as a significant national concern, the GRNMA is pushing for a broader response from national health authorities. They are calling on the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and other key institutions to prioritize the safety and security of all healthcare workers.
The central demand is the development and strict enforcement of a comprehensive national policy specifically aimed at preventing workplace violence within healthcare settings. This policy should be backed by increased investment in security infrastructure.
Furthermore, the GRNMA advocates for robust mechanisms for reporting incidents of violence and providing support to victims. They also seek the imposition of more severe sanctions against individuals who perpetrate such acts.
Advocacy for ILO Convention 190 Ratification
The GRNMA is also appealing to the Government of Ghana to ratify and implement the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Convention No. 190. This convention provides an international framework for addressing violence and harassment in the world of work, including within the healthcare sector.
The association believes that ratifying this convention would signal Ghana’s commitment to protecting its workforce from all forms of violence, abuse, intimidation, and harassment. They urge government, parliament, employers, and labor organizations to expedite this process.
Appeal to Law Enforcement and the Public
The GRNMA has specifically called upon the Community 22 Police Station to treat the assault case with the utmost seriousness. They demand a swift investigation to identify, arrest, and prosecute all individuals responsible for the attack.
Swift justice, the association stated, would not only provide recourse for their assaulted colleague but also serve as a potent deterrent to others who might consider similar actions.
The association also made a direct appeal to the public, urging them to reject all forms of violence, threats, and aggression against nurses and midwives. They stressed that healthcare professionals are not adversaries but dedicated individuals working under challenging conditions.
The GRNMA encouraged the public to utilize established complaint and grievance procedures for any concerns related to healthcare services, rather than resorting to violence.
Message to Healthcare Professionals
Addressing nurses and midwives directly, the GRNMA acknowledged the anger and concern generated by the incident. They urged members of the profession to remain calm and professional while investigations proceed.
The association affirmed its commitment to standing united in defending the rights, safety, and dignity of every nurse and midwife in Ghana, emphasizing that an attack on one is an attack on all.
Looking Ahead
The incident at Tema Polyclinic has galvanized the GRNMA into demanding systemic changes. The coming months will reveal whether the government and health institutions will heed these calls for a national policy and enhanced security measures. The ratification of ILO Convention 190 and the effective prosecution of perpetrators will be key indicators of progress in ensuring a safer working environment for Ghana’s healthcare professionals.
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