Critical Health Workers in Fiji to See Extended Overtime Payments!

The Ministry of Health in Fiji has announced an extension of overtime payments for specific critical health workforce members, including Imaging Technologists and Senior Pharmacy Technicians, for an additional six-month period. Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, Penioni Ravunawa, emphasized the importance of these payments due to significant gaps in manpower within the healthcare sector.

Effective from May 7, the Public Service Commission has formally approved this extension, as noted in a circular accompanying the Assistant Minister’s statement. This initiative aims to bolster essential health services and provide ongoing support to frontline staff during this challenging time.

However, not all allied health professionals will benefit from these extended overtime payments. The Ministry has decided to cease overtime for other roles, including Biomedical Technical Officers, Dental Technicians, Junior Physiotherapists, Health Inspectors, Tobacco Control Officers, Supervising Dietitians, and Medical Laboratory Scientists, owing to improvements in addressing staff shortages in these areas.

Previously, concerns had been raised regarding the Ministry of Civil Service’s overtime policies impacting service delivery, particularly in radiology and pharmacy departments. Recent discussions led to adjustments in these policies, indicating a proactive approach to improving the healthcare workforce’s conditions and efficiency.

This initiative reflects a broader commitment from the Ministry to maintain essential health services and ensure that workers in critical roles are adequately supported. Optimistically, this temporary measure can lead to increased morale among healthcare staff and improved patient care outcomes.

Continued communication and collaboration between the government and healthcare professionals are crucial in facilitating effective solutions to staffing challenges in Fiji’s healthcare system. By addressing these issues thoughtfully, the government can foster a more sustainable and responsive healthcare environment for both patients and professionals alike.