Last week, Dominica faced a brief disruption in healthcare services when a group of medical officers reported sick, highlighting underlying concerns within the medical community. They returned to work on Monday, September 18, but their actions shed light on pressing issues.
One of the central concerns expressed by these medical officers was the shortage of staff in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department. The department, which had 11 officers assigned to it, was operating with only five medical officers at that time. Staff shortages were attributed to various factors, including vacation leave, sick leave, short-term training, and temporary reassignments.
In response to these challenges, the medical officers presented several recommendations during discussions. One of their primary proposals was to promote medical interns to medical officers after completing four basic rotations. Another suggestion was to allow a specific medical officer, who expressed a desire to continue reassignment duties at the Marigot Hospital, to return to the A&E Department of the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital. Additionally, they recommended considering the employment of retired medical officers.
Health Minister Cassanni Laville recognized the importance of addressing these issues promptly. He noted that while the ministry and hospital authority had been working diligently to address challenges faced by medical officers over the past year, there was a need for improved communication.
Laville acknowledged that some of the recommendations presented by the medical officers were not practical. However, he assured them that many of their proposed improvements were already being actively pursued by the government. For instance, salaries for appointed medical officers were set to increase by at least $900 by the end of the month. Contracts for others were under review for the next cycle of engagement.
The health minister emphasized that the government was committed to enhancing the conditions and well-being of medical officers. These efforts align with the broader goal of improving healthcare services in Dominica.
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