The Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences (FIMLS) is asking the Ministries of Health and Civil Service why the approved overtime payments will only be available for six months.
While expressing their sincere appreciation to the Government and the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Civil Service and Health for approving overtime payments for Allied Health Band F positions, they say the circular states that these approved payments will only be available for six months, effective from November 7th, 2024.
The Institute says currently, many Sub Divisional Laboratories have limited staff, with three to four professionals in larger laboratories and just one or two in smaller ones.
They say this circular came about after consultations between the Ministry of Civil Service and the Ministry of Health, prompted by service limitations in the Radiology and Pharmacy Departments at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
The Institute says given the assurance from Permanent Secretary for Civil Service Parmesh Chand that efforts would be made to "go the extra mile to ensure the needs of the public are catered for", they wonder why a temporary solution is being applied to such a vital issue instead of a lasting one.
They feel it is important to highlight that continuing these payments indefinitely or at least until the Ministry of Health can ensure adequate staffing for shift work, would be beneficial.
They say this step is crucial for ensuring that their dedicated staff can continue to provide essential services to the public.
We have sent questions to the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Civil Service.
We are awaiting their response.
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