Resignations? wow!
But maybe, (and I've a number of personal friends and relations that will benefit from the finalisation of the discussions on the Conditions of Service for the medical officers) we should be clear what the issues are, because it goes way beyond the mortuary issue the doctors always throw up.
The doctors did well to extend their 'deadline' for conclusion of the discussions, and I guess they do realise that in reality the issues go beyond just a one day meeting, because the implications on national budget, implications long term on the economy, what it means for other workers on govt payroll etc, ought to be considered, and that is why the issues have not been finally resolved.
But as I said, the demand by the doctors through the GMA go beyond what they have been putting in the news. As we speak, doctors receive among others, the following:
On-call-duty facilitation: 10% of basic salary
Accommodation (in leu): 20% of basic salary
Fuel (House Officer- SMO): 20gallons per month
Fuel (PMO - Specialist): 30gallons per month
Fuel (Sen Specialist- Consultant): 30gallons per month
The GMA is now demanding the following:
On-call-duty facilitation: 20% of basic salary
Accommodation (in leu): 40% of basic salary
Fuel (House Officer- SMO): 80gallons per month
Fuel (PMO - Specialist): 90gallons per month
Fuel (Sen Specialist- Consultant): 100gallons per month
Clothing allowance: 30% of basic salary.
Kindly review carefully, and do not look at this as an individual issue, but multiply by the number of doctors available. But for instance, with accommodation, doesn't everybody receive 20%?
What is the situation with the private hospitals and clinics where many of these doctors including some of those who are supposed to head facilities go to still work on their off days? Is it more? Let's get the details and compare.
How many gallons of fuel do judges, teachers, senior public servants take? Assuming that doctors must take more than all other workers, what should be the ceiling? Will a jump from 20 to 80gallons be considered realistic?
In addition to the above, the GMA is also demanding that the following be instituted, all in addition to their basic monthly salaries.
1. Utility allowance: 20% of basic salary/ month
2. Special Risk Allow: 25% of basic salary/ month
3. Professional Allow: 50% of basic salary/ month
4. Vehicle Maintenance: 20% of basic salary/ month
5. Clothing allowance: 30% of of basic salary
5. Overtime allowance: Should be increased from 40hrs/ week
to 200hrs/ week.
~~~Minimum 1.5 times of daily salary: Mon to Fri
~~~Minimum 2 times of daily salary: Sat, Sun & Nights
6. Waiver on importation of vehicles
7. Fully paid Postgraduate medical education
8. Fully paid Continuous Professional Dev't sanctioned by the
Medical & Dental Council
9. Malpractice Insurance Cover for all doctors and dentists
10. Lump sum long service award: Last gross salary x 180
months (15years of service).
There you have it.
The above are the demands. And they, off course, have to be discussed bearing in mind the implications on the national budget, its appropriateness, implications for other labour groups and the future of our country. It is not about mortuary fees, only.
That is why ders a word called "negotiation". Sit them down n talk things over. At least u re privileged to move out of d country for medical checkup or better still visit private hospitals. Wat aba d masses who can't afford dese???
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