The Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences is urging the Government to extend the approved overtime payments for staff in Allied Health Band F positions within the Ministry of Health. In a recent statement, the institute’s president, Jignesh Sharma, expressed gratitude for the government’s approval of overtime payments but raised concerns regarding the decision to limit these payments to just six months.
According to an internal circular issued by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, the overtime payments will only be available from November 7, 2024, for a duration of six months. Mr. Sharma pointed out that the circular explicitly states this timeframe, leading to questions about the temporary nature of the solution to a critical staffing issue.
He emphasized the importance of extending these payments indefinitely, or at least until the Ministry of Health can guarantee sufficient staffing levels for shift work. Currently, many sub-divisional laboratories face staffing shortages, operating with only a few professionals, which raises concerns about their ability to meet healthcare demands effectively.
Mr. Sharma criticized the ministry’s decision for being a temporary fix rather than a comprehensive solution, which may only lead to a repetition of the same challenges once the six-month period ends. He called for a more permanent approach to resolving the issue of overtime payments and stressed that proper staffing levels are essential for the well-being of medical laboratory personnel, particularly in underserved areas.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare professionals in Fiji, underscoring the critical need for a sustainable staffing strategy in the medical laboratory sector. With adequate support from the government, there remains hope that a long-term solution can be implemented, ensuring better working conditions for healthcare workers and ultimately improving patient care.
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