Private laboratories profit as MELPWU strike strains public health facilities
Private laboratory facilities are capitalizing on the strike by the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers Union (MELPWU), leading to increased costs for patients and straining major public health facilities in the Ashanti Region.
As the strike enters its third day, patients are increasingly burdened by the high prices of accessing laboratory services.
Many are calling on the government and stakeholders to address the Union’s demands to alleviate the challenges posed by the strike and ensure a swift resolution.
One patient highlighted the financial strain, stating that the fees were too high, forcing them to cancel necessary lab tests.
The patient expressed concern about undiagnosed severe health issues due to the inability to afford the 900 cedis lab fees.
In response to the strike, private lab facilities like Ellolab are seeing a surge in clients as they become alternatives to public facilities such as Manhyia and Tafo Government hospitals, which remain closed.
Ebenezer Wireko, the general manager of Ellolab, acknowledged the increase in patient numbers and noted that the strike has positively impacted their business, with moderate charges at their facility.
The nationwide strike by MELPWU is driven by demands for better conditions of service, affecting public health services and pushing patients toward private laboratories for essential medical tests.
