The Ministry of Health is expecting a response from the Ministry of Civil Service by this afternoon or tomorrow to ensure that radiology and pharmacy services at CWM Hospital normalise and staff on salary Band F and above receive compensation instead of time-off-in-lieu for working overtime.
Permanent Secretary for Health Doctor Jemesa Tudravu says they have given the proposal to the Ministry of Civil Service to reconsider their new policy due to a staffing shortage.
He says they have had a meeting with the Ministry of Civil Service and they hope to get a response by later this afternoon or tomorrow morning.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary for Civil Service, Parmesh Chand says the Health Ministry is presenting a case to allow Band F staff, particularly those with specialised skills in allied health, to be exempted and compensated.
Chand adds that the Health Ministry has stressed that the work performed by these staff is essential and critical for service delivery in the health sector.
He says they are open to this proposal and aims to find an amicable solution by this afternoon.
The Permanent Secretary recognises the shortage of skilled staff and the extra hours worked, emphasising the importance of work-life balance and ensuring that time off in lieu is always available.
