The University of Cape Coast has decided to indefinitely close its hospital, effective today, January 19, 2024, due to an ongoing strike by senior staff members.
The Senior Staff Association of the Public Universities in Ghana (SSA-UoG) and the Federation of Universities Senior Staff (FUSSAG) declared an indefinite nationwide strike on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
The strike is in response to what they perceive as a blatant disregard for their welfare by the government.
Among the grievances cited by the association is the government's alleged failure to fulfil the payment of their two-tier pension and overtime allowances over an extended period.
As a result of the strike, various essential services, including healthcare, administration, and security, have been withdrawn, leading to the closure of the University's hospital.
The University's Communication team issued guidance for students during this period, advising them to seek care for minor conditions at their respective hall infirmaries.
For severe conditions, students are instructed to visit the school's student clinic located near the Sam Jonah Library, which will operate from eight in the morning to six in the evening every day, excluding weekends.
Furthermore, the university announced the suspension of the ongoing medical examination for fresh students until further notice.
The decision to shut down the hospital is part of the broader impact of the nationwide strike on various university services.