Health extension workers under NYEP lay off

The hope of personnel working under the Health Extension Module of the National Youth Employment programme to have a permanent job would soon be dashed as directive have been given to some hospitals authorities to sack such personnel.

The Ghana News Agency’s investigation in three major hospitals: Effia-Nkwanta, Takoradi and Essikado Hospitals in the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolis revealed that some personnel had already been sacked, while some had voluntarily returned to work.

An official of the Takoradi Hospital who spoke to the GNA on condition of anonymity said the hospital was issued with the directive last week and already about 40 personnel had been sent home.

This official was however not happy with the initiative adding, “The disposal of these health extension workers will definitely create a gap in quality service delivery. We need them to work with”.

The number of personnel sacked by the Effia-Nkwanta Hospital amounted to almost 100, a source told the GNA.

The source said management would however hold an emergency meeting to find ways where such people could be internally assisted in order for them to stay at post.

At the Essikado Hospital, the situation was quiet different. It came to light that, though the hospital had received the directive, it was yet to take action.

When the GNA contacted the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Directorate of the NYEP, it was told that the older staff had been laid off, while new officers had been sent to post.

Source: GNA