The Ministry of Health has issued a strong warning to nurses on sit-down strike to immediately report to work or else they will be penalised.
The Ministry’s warning comes as national association of nurses and midwives started a nationwide sit-down strike over unpaid allowance.
“The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the Nurses and Midwives Association that the payment of the approved allowances by the Ministry of Health has already started and is in progress. The Central Bank has been posting the payments to individual staff bank accounts. Some nurses have already confirmed receiving their payments. The hospitals submitted their list only yesterday (30th September 2021) reffering to Monday) and are being processed for immediate payment. The Ministry of Health therefore sees no reason for the nurses to go on strike
“All staffs are expected to be at their duty station tomorrow and on time. Failure to report to work will be considered as absenteeism and will be dealt with according to the stipulated laws. The Regional Health Directors, Heads of Health Institutions, and all Heads of Units are requested to take a register of those who are deliberately absent from work for action,” the Ministry said in a statement.
“The full wrath of the regulations will be prescribed for those not in their duty post effective 1st September, 2021. Henceforth, we urge all nurses to be at work tomorrow and on time as dictated by their respective duty rosters. The Ministry of Health is soliciting the continuous support and cooperation of the public in its efforts to continue to provide timely health services to all. In the light of the prevailing circumstances, the public is encouraged to exercise restrain while visiting health facilities,” the statement added.
