Maseru, Aug. 19 — Secretary-General of Qiloane Nursing Assistants Association Mr. David Matsela says negotiations are key in solving issues between the government through the Ministry of Health and health professionals in the country.
This he said in an interview following a notification of an eminent shutdown by employees in the Ministry of Health working in Mokhotlong, Thaba-Tseka and Qacha’s Nek to the Minister of Health.
Mr. Matséla stated that it is only through negotiations that a solution can be reached. He remarked that if the government and the complaining health workers do not engage in negotiations and resolve their issues patients will suffer. He added that the issue may end up affecting other departments.
He indicated that welfare of the health professionals should be prioritised as their work is sensitive. He emphasised that they should be motivated to provide quality services adding that they should always be emotionally, physically and mentally healthy as a minor setback in those areas might lead to suffering on the part of the patients.
According to the letter by the employees of the Ministry of Health in Mokhotlong, Qacha’s Nek and Thaba-Tseka dated August 14, 2023 the authorities have refused to negotiate in good faith regarding their demands of hardship allowance increment. They indicate that it is their right to voice out their demands.
They indicate that they will remain on shutdown until an agreement is reached. They indicate that they will be on duty but only for serious emergencies.
The Ministry of Health and the Health professionals have recently been topping headlines with disputes including non-payment of call allowances, suspension of doctors and doctors not performing full duty and attending only emergencies.
