The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has addressed recent rumors concerning a strike by Radiology and Pharmacy staff at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM), labeling these claims as untrue. The ministry clarified that the hospital is currently facing a shortage of qualified staff in these areas, leading to a temporary reduction in services.
Currently, the opening hours for the Radiology and Pharmacy Departments at CWM Hospital are set from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. In circumstances requiring emergency radiological investigations outside these hours, referrals may be made to approved private providers as necessary.
Further discussions are in progress to explore the availability of these services over the weekends, with the public being informed once plans are confirmed. The staff at CWM Hospital have not initiated a strike; instead, they have been following the Ministry of Civil Service’s Circular 14/2024, which regulates overtime work and time-off-in-lieu (TOIL) for civil servants. This circular has restricted overtime compensation to certain salary bands, but its implementation has inadvertently contributed to staffing shortages, particularly due to the absence of Allied Health staff on TOIL leave.
The Ministry of Health is actively engaging with the Ministry of Civil Service, which recognizes the public health challenges stemming from these operational changes. Parmesh Chand, Permanent Secretary for Civil Service, has highlighted the importance of collaboration between the two ministries and has scheduled a meeting to discuss strategies for workforce sustainability and maintaining service delivery to the public.
While acknowledging the dedication of its staff, the Ministry of Health is also attentive to the implications of the ongoing staff shortage on patient care and staff well-being. To address the persistent shortage of healthcare workers in Fiji, the Health Ministry has begun consultations with partners, including the Ministry of Civil Service and health training institutions in Fiji, in pursuit of sustainable short- and long-term solutions. These discussions are expected to culminate in a comprehensive health workforce plan, which is set to be finalized and introduced in early 2025.
In summary, the Ministry of Health is proactive in managing current staff shortages while assuring the public of continued service availability. There is a concerted effort to seek long-term solutions to meet the healthcare demands of the community, demonstrating a commitment to both patient care and employee welfare. This collaboration and focus on workforce sustainability signal a hopeful path towards stabilizing healthcare services in Fiji.
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