The Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences is urging the government to reconsider its decision regarding overtime payments for Allied Health Band F positions within the Ministry of Health. President Jignesh Sharma highlighted the temporary nature of the approved payments, which, according to an internal circular from the ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, will only be in effect for six months starting November 7, 2024.
Sharma expressed concerns about the sustainability of these payments, stressing the importance of ensuring ongoing support for medical laboratory staff, especially in the context of widespread staffing shortages. Currently, many sub-divisional laboratories are facing significant challenges, with a limited number of professionals available—some larger labs have only three to four staff members, while smaller ones may have just one or two.
He questioned why a temporary solution is being favored over a more permanent resolution to the staffing issues that are impacting the efficiency of laboratory services. Sharma believes that without adequately addressing the root of the problem, these challenges will likely resurface after the six-month period, thereby necessitating a more sustainable approach to overtime payments and staff adequacy.
In response to these concerns, Sharma advocated for appropriate measures to ensure staffing levels are in line with the facility’s operational needs, emphasizing the potential negative impact on medical laboratory personnel in sub-divisional regions if these issues are not addressed effectively.
This situation presents an opportunity for the government to take decisive action, which could lead to improved working conditions and job satisfaction for medical laboratory staff, ultimately benefitting the healthcare system as a whole. By acting now, a more permanent solution could be found that ensures medical facilities are adequately staffed, preventing disruptions in vital laboratory services.
Summary: The Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences is calling on the government to extend the approved overtime payments for Allied Health Band F positions beyond six months, citing staffing shortages and the need for a permanent solution to support medical laboratory staff.
Leave a comment