The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has issued a clarification regarding rumors of a strike by Radiology and Pharmacy staff at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM). The Ministry confirmed that there has been no strike action taken by the staff. Instead, the hospital is facing a shortage of qualified personnel in these departments, leading to a temporary reduction in services.
Currently, the operating hours for the Radiology and Pharmacy Departments at CWM are from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. For urgent cases, the hospital can refer emergency radiological investigations to approved private providers outside of regular hours as necessary.
The Ministry also noted that staff members are complying with the Ministry of Civil Service’s Circular 14/2024, which regulates overtime work and time-off-in-lieu (TOIL) for civil servants, restricting overtime compensation for certain salary bands. The associated reduction in available Allied Health staff due to TOIL leave has further contributed to the staffing challenges.
The Ministry of Health has been in discussions with the Ministry of Civil Service regarding the complications arising from TOIL and overtime management, recognizing the public health challenges it poses. Parmesh Chand, Permanent Secretary for Civil Service, reaffirmed the commitment to work alongside the Ministry of Health to identify strategies that ensure workforce sustainability and service delivery to the public.
Amid these challenges, the Ministry is also focused on addressing the enduring shortage of healthcare workers in the country. It has initiated consultations with partners, including health training universities in Fiji, to devise sustainable solutions for the healthcare workforce challenges. These consultations are ongoing and a comprehensive health workforce plan is expected to be finalized and launched by early 2025.
This proactive approach highlights the Ministry’s dedication to improving healthcare services and the well-being of its staff. It is a reminder of the importance of collaboration and strategic planning in addressing staffing shortages in the health sector, ultimately aiming to enhance patient care across the country.
In summary, while the CWM Hospital faces staffing challenges, steps are being taken to address these issues, and with continued collaboration and planning, there is hope for a more robust healthcare workforce in the future.
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