President of the Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratory Scientists, Jignesh Sharma says the Minister for Health, Doctor Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu’s comments are factually incorrect when he said in parliament that overtime is being paid to the medical laboratory scientists, and if they are not being paid, that can be addressed.
Sharma stresses that medical laboratory scientists have not received overtime payments since May 2025, and he says while they acknowledge the efforts made toward strengthening the workforce, they must emphasize that staffing shortages persist, and a sustainable long-term solution is yet to be implemented.
He says this matter was formally brought to the attention of the Minister, the Assistant Minister for Health, and the Permanent Secretary for Health via official correspondence on 7th May 2025.
Sharma reveals that following this, they received a response through internal communication from the Ministry of Health, referencing a directive from the Ministry of Civil Service indicating the stopping of overtime payments.
The President of the Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratory Scientists says this decision was reportedly linked to the recruitment of 2024 Allied Health graduates.
He says the current workforce remains under immense pressure, and without appropriate overtime compensation, their members are being compelled into continuous 7-day shift work without due remuneration.
Sharma says the Sub Divisional hospital labs struggle as it is simply impossible for staff in subdivisional laboratories to utilize all their owing hours.
The Institute President says the workload burden is immense, and in some facilities only one or two officers are left to keep the services running for an entire community.
He asks how can these officers possibly take time off without affecting patient care and the smooth delivery of essential services.
Sharma says that is why their plea still remains that decision-makers must genuinely consider the severe effects of removing overtime.
They say unlike divisional hospitals, which have larger numbers of staff and can still manage service delivery to some extent, subdivisional laboratories do not have that luxury.
The Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratory Scientists says it has continued to raise these concerns through proper channels, yet they have not received any further official response or resolution to date.
They call on the Ministry of Health to urgently review this matter and provide a clear, accurate, and transparent update to the public and to the frontline professionals affected by this decision.
Sharma says they request that immediate action be taken to address the non-payment of overtime and to correct the public record regarding the current situation.
He adds they remain committed to dialogue and partnership with the Ministry to find a sustainable solution, but they will not remain silent when the facts are being misrepresented and their members are being overlooked.
When contacted by fijivillage News, Doctor Lalabalavu said to ask Sharma what part of his statement in parliament is factually incorrect.
Doctor Lalabalavu says he had replied to a supplementary question and answered that overtime is being paid and if they are not being paid then it should be brought to his attention.
He adds they are looking at records to see if they indeed have not paid overtime and the Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratory Scientists would help them and their members if they share who have not been paid overtime since May 2025.
