Health Service drivers applauded for critical role in health care

Drivers within the health sector have been applauded for playing life-saving roles in the health delivery system, especially during emergencies.

Mr Asare Bediako Micah, the Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services in Charge of Administration, at the end of year meeting of the Ashanti Chapter of the Ghana Health Service Drivers Association, in Kumasi, said the role of health drivers could not be over-emphasised.

The meeting, held annually, provides a platform for members to discuss pertinent issues affecting their work and to seek redress from duty bearers within the Regional Health Directorate.

The Deputy Director said the GHS appreciated the essential services they were providing and expressed the commitment of the Service to address their grievances to ensure a conducive working environment.

He entreated them to report issues affecting their work to the Regional Transport Manager for prompt redress, saying that driving required sound mind and undivided attention.

He advised them to be conversant with the Ghana Health Service Transport Policy to enable them to work in accordance with the rules governing their work.

Mr Micah counselled them to save towards their retirement so they could live a comfortable life after active service.

“Remember that the allowances that you receive are not part of your salaries so endeavour to save them and start your building project even before you retire.”

Mr Thomas Kejengah, the National President of the Association, said the drivers faced a lot of challenges, especially the non-payment of night allowances when they travelled on official duty.

Some drivers were compelled to sleep in their cars during such trips, a situation he described as unacceptable.

He bemoaned the plight of casual drivers in the Service, some of whom had worked for close to 10 years without employment and called for urgent steps to engage those drivers.