Nurse Trainees Demand Policy Change: Allowances Should Be Mandatory, Not Campaign Promises.

The Ghana Nurse-Midwife Trainees Association (GNMTA) is calling for a major shift in how the government supports nursing education. They are urging the government to remove nursing trainee allowances from the realm of campaign promises and instead solidify them as a permanent policy.

This demand comes amid complaints of poor conditions and financial struggles faced by student nurses across the country. GNMTA President Pascal Adumbisa, speaking at the launch of the 31st National Delegates Congress, highlighted the importance of stable financial support for trainees.

"We propose that allowances should be made a government policy, not just a campaign policy," Adumbisa declared. "This would ensure consistency across administrations, making it obligatory for any government to prioritize the needs of nursing trainees."

The GNMTA is not just seeking policy change; they are also advocating for improved disbursement practices. They propose direct monthly payments from the Controller and Accountant General's Department to guarantee efficient and timely access to funds.

This demand is rooted in the recent history of trainee allowances. In 2014, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government under President John Mahama scrapped the allowances, citing a need to invest in educational infrastructure. However, the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, fulfilling a campaign promise, reinstated the payments.

However, promptness and consistency have remained issues. Trainees report delays and irregularities in receiving their allowances, adding to their financial burdens.

The GNMTA's call for policy change reflects a growing frustration within the nursing community. They argue that treating allowances as a political bargaining chip is unfair and detrimental to the quality of nursing education. By making them a permanent policy, they aim to secure reliable support for future generations of nurses and ensure they can focus on their studies without the constant worry of financial constraints.

The government's response to this demand remains to be seen. Whether they will move towards a more secure and consistent system for supporting nursing trainees remains an open question. However, the GNMTA's stance reflects a growing demand for accountability and long-term solutions in the crucial field of healthcare education.