The Ministry of Health & Medical Services has dismissed rumors concerning a strike by Radiology and Pharmacy staff at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM). In their statement, they explained that the hospital is currently facing a shortage of qualified personnel in these departments, leading to a temporary reduction in services.
Presently, the Radiology and Pharmacy Departments are operational from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. For emergencies requiring radiological investigations outside of these hours, the hospital may refer patients to authorized private providers when necessary.
Discussions are underway regarding the possibility of extending service provision to the weekend, with the public being informed once a decision is reached. It was clarified that staff have not gone on strike but are following the Ministry of Civil Service’s Circular 14/2024 concerning Overtime Work and Time-Off-in-Lieu (TOIL) regulations, which was issued on October 1, 2024. This regulation limits overtime compensation to certain salary bands, which unfortunately also contributes to the staff shortage as Allied Health staff taking TOIL leave further reduces available personnel.
The Ministry is in dialogue with the Ministry of Civil Service to address the public health challenges stemming from the implementation of TOIL and Overtime management. Permanent Secretary for Civil Service Parmesh Chand emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two ministries, with a meeting scheduled to explore strategies for workforce sustainability and ongoing service delivery.
While the Ministry of Health acknowledges the dedication of its staff, they are also aware of the impact of the current staff shortages on patient care and staff wellbeing. Efforts are being made to tackle these issues effectively. To address the longstanding shortage of healthcare workers in the country, the Health Ministry is engaged in consultations with various partners, including health training institutions in Fiji, to develop sustainable solutions for healthcare workforce needs. The completion and launch of the health workforce plan are anticipated in early 2025.
This proactive approach by the Ministry reflects a commitment to improving healthcare services in Fiji and prioritizing the wellbeing of both patients and staff. The ongoing consultations and strategy development are hopeful signs that effective solutions will be implemented, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to the community.
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