The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has clarified that rumors regarding a strike by Radiology and Pharmacy staff at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM) are untrue. In a recent statement, the ministry explained that while there is a temporary reduction in services due to a shortage of qualified personnel in both departments, 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) for civil servants.
As part of the adjustments, the operating hours for the Radiology and Pharmacy departments have been modified to 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. In cases where emergency radiological investigations are necessary outside of these hours, the hospital has arrangements with approved private providers for referrals.
Discussions are underway regarding service provision on weekends, and the public will be informed of any new arrangements once they are finalized. The ministry recognizes the significant contribution of its staff but is also aware of the strain that the current staffing shortages impose on patient care and staff well-being. It is working diligently to address both challenges.
Furthermore, the ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Civil Service and health training institutions in Fiji, including Fiji National University and the University of Fiji, to devise sustainable short- and long-term strategies for addressing the ongoing shortage of healthcare workers. These consultations are expected to culminate in a health workforce plan that will be launched in early 2025.
This proactive approach highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring a robust healthcare system that can adequately serve the public’s needs. While challenges remain, the ongoing discussions and plans for workforce sustainability reflect a hopeful outlook for the future of healthcare services in Fiji.
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