Steps being taken to minimise disruption in health sector amid sickouts - MOH

The Ministry of Health and Wellness says resources are being mobilised to ensure minimal disruption to health services islandwide amid sickouts by some health workers.

The Ministry, in a media release Tuesday, says that nurses and midwives across the Southeast, Northeast and Southern regional health authorities have taken industrial action over retroactive monies owed to them.

Similarly, medical technologists at the Cornwall Regional Hospital are also off the job, highlighting issues with outstanding payments, unavailability of uniforms and other employee-related matters, said the Ministry.

It says the facilities affected by the sickout include the Victoria Jubilee Hospital, Kingston Public Hospital, St Ann’s Bay Hospital, Port Maria Hospital, Annotto Bay Hospital, May Pen Hospital, Percy Junor Hospital, and Port Antonio Hospital, along with the Clarendon and St Ann’s health departments.

The Ministry says it will continue to support dialogue between union groups and the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service to ensure settlement of the issues identified.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.