Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has criticized the current government over recent actions by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, particularly regarding the decision to cut overtime payments for medical staff at CWM Hospital’s Radiology and Pharmaceutical Department. Chaudhry emphasized that “it’s lives that matter, not money,” addressing his concerns to Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad.
Chaudhry expressed his dismay following Prasad’s dismissive remarks about the Fiji Medical Association’s (FMA) warning that the removal of overtime payments is severely affecting healthcare services across the nation. He condemned Prasad’s suggestion that health authorities should “sort it out” themselves, describing it as an inappropriate response to the concerns raised by a reputable organization like the FMA.
The Fiji Labour Party leader pointed out that the directive to replace overtime with time off in lieu is not exclusive to the Health Ministry but applies to the entire civil service as part of cost-cutting measures. Chaudhry argued that this decision reflects a lack of sufficient government funding, contradicting Prasad’s assurance of available resources.
Chaudhry also echoed the sentiments of FMA President Dr. Alipate Vakamocea, who warned that the lack of overtime pay not only jeopardizes patient safety but also places an unsustainable strain on already overworked medical teams in a healthcare system suffering from staffing shortages.
He called for the Minister of Health to take these warnings seriously and engage in discussions with medical professionals to find a resolution, rather than dismissing critical concerns that highlight the troubling state of healthcare facilities.
In summary, the article highlights significant concerns raised by Chaudhry regarding healthcare management under the current administration, particularly regarding compensation for medical staff. Such discussions are vital for fostering improvements in healthcare conditions and ensuring the well-being of both patients and providers.
This situation serves as an important reminder of the critical links between government policy, healthcare worker morale, and patient safety. With constructive dialogue and a commitment to support the healthcare sector, there is hope for a positive resolution that prioritizes the welfare of all involved.
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