Junior doctors on sickout over compensation issues
Published:Monday | December 9, 2024 | 9:26 AM
Junior doctors across Jamaica have gone on sickout to press the Government on compensation issues.
The doctors did not turn up for the 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. shift at hospitals and health centres.
In a letter to its members on Sunday, the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association (JMDA) detailed grievances that it says have persisted for 20 months.
These include the government's failure to address retroactive payments for owed overtime, the unilateral removal of incentive allowances —reportedly endorsed by a medical representative body —and the imposition of new overtime rates contrary to previous agreements.
The JMDA further accused the government of refusing to reinstate the discontinued incentive allowances, deepening the rift between the parties.
"We have made multiple attempts at compromise, all of which have been shut down by the Ministry of Finance, and so we have withdrawn our services," said a medical doctor who requested anonymity.
The doctor emphasised that today's protest serves as a message of solidarity, while acknowledging the critical role doctors play in the health system.
"The plan is to respond to dire emergencies," the doctor added, underscoring the balance between advocating for their rights and ensuring urgent medical care remains available.
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