The Ministry of Civil Service has announced that amendments have been made to the policy regarding overtime and time off in lieu (TOIL) to alleviate disruptions that affected service delivery at the Radiology and Pharmacy departments of Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) earlier this week. Permanent Secretary Parmesh Chand confirmed that these changes were implemented after consultations with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to ensure the smooth functioning of services.
Chand emphasized that the amendments addressed the concerns raised and that the matter has been resolved satisfactorily. He reiterated that maintaining public interests is crucial in their service delivery efforts.
Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, the Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry, also expressed relief that the issue was amicably resolved. He thanked the Ministry of Civil Service for their swift response and assured that the outcome would be communicated to healthcare facilities and staff affected by the previous policy.
However, concerns were voiced by Judith Kotobalavu, General Secretary of the Fiji Public Service Association (FPSA), who criticized the situation as indicative of a lack of strategic oversight. Kotobalavu urged the ministry to redirect focus towards effective management of the overtime budget and support for public servants rather than outsourcing vital healthcare services to private providers. She stated that the FPSA would continue to advocate for fair compensation and ensure the sustainability of healthcare and essential public services.
This proactive approach by the ministries reflects a commitment to not only resolving operational issues but also to prioritizing the welfare of healthcare workers and the public they serve.
In summary, policy changes at CWMH were successfully implemented to address staffing issues, highlighting an effective collaboration between the Ministries involved, while also raising important discussions about the management and investment in public healthcare services. This development offers a positive indication of governmental responsiveness and collaboration to enhance healthcare delivery in the region.
Leave a comment