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The Ministry of Health will undertake a recruitment drive in India for the recruitment of medical officers. Cabinet based its decision on a submission by the Minister for Health, Women and Social Welfare, Dr Jiko Luveni. Dr Jiko said that the shortage of doctors, particularly in clinical roles, has been an on-going challenge for the Ministry of Health for the past two decades. “Increasing population and the growing demand for clinical care in major hospitals has caused much stress on resources and the medical workforce. “Furthermore, the recent diversification of clinical services to include kidney dialysis and potential cardiac laboratory will warrant the presence and engagement of qualified clinical staff “The retention of local doctors has been difficult and the reasons for the ongoing loss of staff are not solely due to low salary levels but also on the work environment particularly in relation to the lack of staff.” Dr Jiko said that with the right number and complement of doctors working in any discipline, work stress and frustration are reduced and doctors have more quality time with families and friends. She said that there is vacancy and shortage of 28 Medical Officers in the Ministry as of 30th April 2008. “The most senior positions are affected by the shortage, and it currently affects mainly the divisional hospitals of Lautoka, Labasa and CWMH.” She said that 15 positions of these positions can not be filled locally. “The need for immediate filling of these positions is based on the need to have doctors who are independent and able to make decision on their own in clinics and after hours.” Dr Jiko emphasized that the recruitment of expatriates is by no means the panacea for the shortage of doctors in our hospitals, saying that the ideal solution is to develop and retain our local doctors, many of whom are highly qualified and experienced in their specializations. -ENDS- No:0661 |
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