Trainee Nurses & Midwives Demand Delayed ‘Allawa’

The Ghana Nurse-Midwife Trainees’ Association (GNMTA) has raised concerns over the delay in the disbursement of allowances to trainee nurses and midwives across the country.

The Association, says its members are financially troubled and demoralised as a result of the continuous delay in payment of their allowance by government which have been in arrears for years.

They insist, the situation has brought untold hardship on the students, as they are struggling to afford their academic needs and daily living.

The Association, though appreciative of the restoration of the allowance after it was scrapped by the erstwhile Mahama government, says its disbursement has stalled leading to financial challenges.

“The reinstatement of the trainee nurses’ allowance was a significant and commendable decision aimed at supporting our members during their crucial training period.”

“However, the current delays undermine this objective, causing undue financial strain and demoralisation among trainees who rely on these funds for their sustenance and academic needs,” a statement issued by the Association said.

It further called on the “Ministry of Health, the government and all relevant authorities to act swiftly to resolve this matter,” saying that it “is imperative that the allowances be disbursed without further delay to fulfill the purpose for which they were reinstated.”

Despite acknowledging some part-payments made to some of the members of the Association, especially first, second and third-year trainees, the GNMTA noted that, the promised payment schedule has not been fully honored.

The association acknowledged the part payments made to some of its members, with first, second, and third-year trainees receiving allowances for 5, 6, and 5 months respectively.

However, they expressed concern that the 2022 batch, scheduled to receive their arrears on May 23, along with the 2023 and other batches, have not received these payments.

Furthermore, the GNMTA highlighted that the 2017-2020, 2018-2021, 2019-2022, and 2020-2023 batches have yet to receive any portion of their allowances.

The association described this situation as unacceptable and called for immediate attention.

The reinstatement of the trainee nurses’ allowance was a significant decision aimed at supporting members during their crucial training period.

However, the current delays are causing financial strain and demoralisation among trainees who rely on these funds for their sustenance and academic needs.

The GNMTA called on all the institutions involved to act swiftly to resolve the matter. They stressed the importance of disbursing the allowances without further delay to fulfill the purpose for which they were reinstated.

The association also urged all Ghanaians to support them in their concerns to ensure that this pressing issue receives the attention it deserves. They emphasised that the future of Ghana’s healthcare system depends on the well-being and support of its trainees, and timely payment of allowances is a critical component of this support.

The GNMTA was hopeful that this matter will be addressed promptly and pledged to continue advocating tirelessly for the rights and welfare of its members.

Below is the statement:

Source: Anchorghana.com