The Ministry of Health & Wellness is preparing for possible disruptions in the public healthcare system on Friday, in light of the continued wait for a ruling from the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) in a dispute involving doctors’ overtime payments and related matters.
The Jamaica Medical Doctors Association has warned of possible industrial action if the Tribunal does not deliver its ruling by Friday.
Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton says he understands the concerns being raised by the doctors and that the Regional Health Authorities are putting measures in place to limit the impact on patients if industrial action takes place.
“We are making preparations, based on the utterances of the doctors for any withdrawal of service because our first concern, obviously, are patients,” he told Radio Jamaica News.
“There is a protocol in these circumstances, so others have to fill the gaps, but it’s not an ideal situation. Beyond that, it’s difficult and probably ill-advised for me to comment on IDT deliberation,” he added.
The Health & Wellness Ministry says it is also awaiting the decision of the IDT and is urging all parties to remain patient, noting that the matters before the tribunal are complex.