Doctor�s Strike Amounts To Manslaughter and Pre-meditated Murder - MDG

The Movement for Development Ghana (MDG) has observed with keen interest the rate at which the lives of innocent Ghanaians are being threatened without the presence of Medical Doctors at the nation�s health institutions. MDG, a youth based association with the supreme interest of promoting the values of this Country, wishes to state emphatically that, the Doctors strike amounts to manslaughter and pre-meditated murder and that they should re-think their decision and resort to laid down steps by the laws in the country to seek redress. We believe that this country is governed by laws. We therefore implore the Ghana Medical Association to take appropriate steps as required by law and not take innocent Ghanaians and patients for ransom. By this unhealthy industrial action, we are tempted to draw the conclusion that, many doctors have forgotten the Hippocratic Oath they swore when passing out from medical school. They need to take the Oath again and rededicate themselves to the service of mankind and live up to the high ideals of their noble profession. We are appealing to the conscience of Doctors not to take their frustration out on Patients who desperately need their services. It is therefore important for the GMA leadership and its members to conduct themselves ethically and remember that, their swearing of that Oath swearing was not merely symbolic but hangs around their neck. The MDG holds nothing against Doctors fighting for increment in their salaries but we argue that it should not be at the cost people�s precious lives. We are not in any way suggesting that the rights and privileges of doctors should be trampled upon just because the law proscribes them from embarking on an industrial action. Doctors should note and appreciate that they are being paid by the tax payers� money. Movement for Development Ghana is considering a possible Legal suit against Doctors if they fail to discharge their duties as required by law. Being essential service providers, the GMA leadership and its members obviously know that the law prohibits them from embarking on an industrial action. We are calling on civil society groups, clergy, Imams to add their voice to the call on Doctors to at least on humanitarian grounds rescind their unlawful decision and return to work. Fair Wages and Salaries Commission must also be proactive in migrating other organizations into the pay structure to avoid labor unrest in this country. The National Labour Commission should as a matter of urgency call doctors to resume their duties. We also urge Ghanaians not to read partisan politics into this life threatening matter. Signed Michael Nana Ampong President, Movement for Development Ghana