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JAM | Dec 9, 2024

Ministry of Labour meets with JMDA following sick-out by junior doctors

Vanassa McKenzie

Vanassa McKenzie / Our Today

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Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr., delivers his statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. (Photo: JIS)

A meeting is currently underway between representatives from the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association (JMDA) and the Ministry of Labour following an islandwide sick-out by junior doctors this morning.

The meeting, reportedly requested by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, began at 10 am at the Ministry of Labour’s office.

Several health facilities have been plunged into emergency mode, leading to the scaling down or suspension of outpatient services and elective surgeries.

The sick-out is linked to unresolved issues, including the government’s failure to address retroactive overtime payments, the removal of incentive allowances, and the introduction of new overtime rates that contradict previous agreements.

The Ministry of Health reports a 16 per cent turnout of doctors in primary care within the Western Regional Health Authority and 28 per cent in the North East Regional Health Authority.

Additionally, a 36 per cent turnout was reported in the Southern Regional Health Authority, 18 per cent in Kingston and St Andrew, and 66 per cent in St Thomas, particularly in primary care. Some facilities have reported up to 100 per cent absenteeism among junior doctors.

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doctor sick-out JMDA Ministry of Health and Wellness Ministry of Labour and Social Security

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