Anesthetists to strike on Jan. 1 over designation change

The Ghana Association of Certified Registered Anesthetists has announced an industrial action, effective January 1, 2022.

In a letter addressed to the Health Minister, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, the group noted that the strike has become necessary due to the sector ministry’s failure to address concerns of changing the title of its members from ‘Certified Registered Anesthetists’ to ‘physician assistants.’

The association is convinced the Ministry of Health’s decision “implies that CRAs shall not be illegible to practice anesthesia by law and are not prepared to renew their license with the MDC as congress resolved in the 3rd Annual General Congress and Scientific Session held in Kumasi on 1st – 4th December.”

According to the association, the Medical and Dental Council has also refused to extend the certificates of its members, making it impossible for them to practice legally.

“The CRAs loved to serve their cherished clients, and the good people of Ghana as law-abiding citizens, but the circumstance we find ourselves in will render the CRA ineligible to practice. The unfortunate development which shall have grave repercussions on our health delivery system should be blamed on the Ministry of Health and the MDC.”

If followed through, this would be the fourth time the group is embarking on a strike over the same issue.