Junior doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital have suspended their strike started last week to back demands for unpaid allowances.

The suspension of the strike follows the full payment of fuel allowances outstanding for about 13 months.

While the strike is suspended, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), is demanding a 100 per cent raise in the salaries of doctors.

At a meeting with government Wednesday, the GMA argued that given the current economic situation in the country, the 100 per cent raise was justified.

The two parties agree negotiations should be concluded by Friday, May 15, 2009.

Specific figures were not discussed at Wednesday’s meeting because government said it wanted to have a comprehensive look at the proposals submitted by the GMA.

Speaking to Joy News, the president of the junior doctors at KATH, Dr. Osei Safo Kantanka said the outcome of the May 15 meeting will determine their next line of action.

He dismissed suggestions the strike did not make the desired impact as some of the junior doctors worked during the strike.

“It had considerable impact, it made the hospital authorities to pay our fuel allowance in full and got the Ghana Medical Association to sit down with the Ministry of Health to begin negotiations,” he maintained.

Story by Malik Abass Daabu