Trudy Nartey, a 45-year-old Ghanaian woman, has shared her experience of losing her job due to her diabetes condition. She was diagnosed with diabetes in her twenties and has been living with the condition ever since. Nartey worked at a private company where she frequently sought permission to attend medical appointments and receive treatment for her condition. However, her employment was terminated because of these repeated requests. This experience has left her struggling to make ends meet, particularly in accessing her medication.
Nartey's case is not an isolated incident, as many Ghanaians living with chronic, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension face similar challenges. The need for continuous medication and regular clinic visits often clashes with workplace demands, leaving employees vulnerable to job loss. Ghana's labour arrangements do not always accommodate the ongoing healthcare needs of employees with chronic conditions, exacerbating the problem. As a result, many workers with NCDs are forced to choose between their health and their livelihood.
The scale of the underlying health challenge in Ghana is significant. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the number of people living with diabetes globally has risen substantially over the years. In Ghana specifically, the 2023 WHO STEPwise Approach to Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS) survey found that 21.7 percent of adults aged 18 to 69 had hypertension, while 5.2 percent had raised blood glucose. These statistics highlight the need for greater support and accommodations for employees with chronic conditions.
Dr Abdul Wahab Agbeve, Director of Agbeve Hospital at Sowutuom in Accra, has warned of the consequences of unmanaged diabetes and hypertension. He stated that these conditions can undermine workplace productivity, drive up healthcare costs, and place financial and psychological strain on patients and their families. If left uncontrolled, diabetes and hypertension can lead to serious complications, including kidney damage and chronic kidney disease.
Dr Agbeve emphasized the importance of regular medical monitoring and early diagnosis in managing diabetes and hypertension. He also stressed that lifestyle changes, such as balanced diets, reduced sugar and salt intake, and regular physical activity, can lower certain health risks. However, he noted that these changes cannot replace prescribed medical treatment. Employers also have a role to play in establishing fair arrangements for medical appointments and leave, which can help workers manage chronic conditions without losing their jobs.
Nartey's experience has had a lasting impact on her life. After losing her job, she remained unemployed for almost two years, struggling to afford her medication. It was not until she found work in the government sector that she was able to regain stability. Her case highlights the need for greater support and accommodations for employees with chronic conditions, particularly in the private sector.
The issue of workplace support for employees with chronic conditions is a pressing concern in Ghana. With a significant proportion of the population living with NCDs, it is essential that employers and policymakers take steps to address this challenge. By providing fair arrangements for medical appointments and leave, employers can help workers manage their conditions and maintain their productivity.
Key points
- A 45-year-old Ghanaian woman with diabetes claims she was fired from her job due to repeated requests for medical leave.
- Ghana's labour arrangements do not always accommodate the ongoing healthcare needs of employees with chronic conditions.
- The number of people living with diabetes and hypertension in Ghana is significant, highlighting the need for greater support and accommodations for employees with chronic conditions.
