The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has clarified that claims regarding a strike by Radiology and Pharmacy staff at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM) are unfounded. The ministry explained that the hospital is currently facing a shortage of qualified personnel, resulting in a temporary reduction in services in both departments.
The operating hours for the Radiology and Pharmacy Departments at CWM Hospital have been adjusted to 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. For emergency radiological investigations outside these hours, the hospital can refer cases to approved private providers, when necessary.
While there has been no staff strike, the reduction in available personnel has been affected by adherence to a recent Ministry of Civil Service Circular regarding overtime and time-off-in-lieu policies. This circular, which took effect on October 1, 2024, has implications for compensation structures for civil servants, particularly for those on lower salary bands. The resulting absence of Allied Health staff taking time off has exacerbated the staffing shortages.
The Ministry of Health is currently in consultation with the Ministry of Civil Service regarding the challenges posed by workforce management policies and is actively seeking solutions to improve service delivery. Parmesh Chand, the Permanent Secretary for Civil Service, emphasized the commitment to collaborate with health officials to address workforce sustainability.
Recognizing the importance of its dedicated staff, the Ministry of Health is acutely aware of the impact such shortages have on patient care and employee wellbeing. In light of the long-term shortage of healthcare workers, the ministry has engaged in discussions with various partners, including health training institutions in Fiji, to formulate sustainable strategies for workforce development. These consultations are ongoing, with a comprehensive health workforce plan expected to be launched in early 2025.
This development reflects the Ministry’s proactive stance in addressing staffing challenges and ensuring that quality healthcare remains accessible to the population.
In summary, the Ministry of Health is committed to resolving staffing shortages and has initiated discussions for sustainable solutions to enhance healthcare provision in Fiji. This focus on workforce planning illustrates a hopeful outlook for the health sector’s future.
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