By Mohamed Juma Jalloh
Dr Sanusie Jalloh, the Public Relations Officer of the Junior Doctors Association of Sierra Leone (JUDASIL), has told Night Watch that they are hopeful the government will meet their demands following a strike action by their membership late last year.
The Junior Doctors mouthpiece noted that they have learnt from strike actions of the past where government reneges on their own side of the bargain. He disclosed that, against such experience, they resolved as an Association to commit government through the signing of a document where government would own up to meeting certain key demands.
The doctor noted that government, as per the agreement, has very clear timelines in terms of meeting the demands of their membership, while expressing hope that government will this time fulfil its commitments against the established timelines.
Dr Jalloh furthered that, the demands relating to salaries have already been addressed by government. Henoted that they were considerate with the government in making certain demands largely because they do not want this to have a spill over effect to other public sector entities.
The medical practitioner disclosed that other demands, like the call and hazard allowances, will be addressed when there is a general salary review of the public service in May 2019.
Mr. Jalloh continued that demands relating to health insurance for doctors are also part of the agreement but, according to him, government is looking forward to launching a comprehensive National Health Scheme for all Sierra Leoneans.
The Public Relations Officer stated that the government has also made commitments to furnish government hospitals and stock them with equipment to improve healthcare delivery.
The majority of tools that government needs to purchase will take time because of the cumbersome procurement in place.
Dr Jalloh concluded that strike action is the last option largely because patients normally bear the brunt of such actions. He warned that in the event where government reneges on its commitments to meet their demands they will convene a meeting of their membership and decide on the next line of action to be taken.