Deadline tomorrow for doctors to sign with RHAs

TOMORROW is the deadline for junior doctors to sign new contracts with the Regional Health Authorities (RHA), but according to the Medical Professional Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MPATT), doctors have stood their ground. But word is that 12 doctors from India have been interviewed by the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) to work at the San Fernando General Hospital. The Indian doctors were among a group of interns who were also interviewed by the hospital’s medical director, Dr Austin Trinidade. MPATT’s secretary Dr Lakhan Roop, told Newsday yesterday that doctors were always in demand and the association would not view such large numbers of Indian doctors being considered as an act of intimidation against those doctors who have not yet signed contracts for 2004. Last week, Health Minister John Rahael made a stirring call for the doctors to sign the new contracts.
 
The junior doctors are holding out on signing because they have not agreed to three main issues in their negotiations with the SWRHA. MPATT is seeking calculation of gratuity of 20 percent on gross salary. The RHA has offered the percentage on basic salary. Other outstanding issues are compensatory days off and rate of overtime. Negotiations broke down at the last meeting between the doctors and the Regional Health Authorities. The doctors’ old contracts expire tomorrow and if they do not sign them by then, they will not be medico-legally covered to continue working in the hospital and health centres. Contacted yesterday, acting chief executive office of the SWRHA, Michael Harris, confirmed to Newsday that a number of doctors had been interviewed. But Harris said that those interviews conducted were routine assessments of both local and foreign doctors. Harris said that even though there was just a day to go before the expiry deadline, he was optimistic doctors will sign. A meeting is carded this week between the negotiating parties (MPATT & RHA) to try to resolve the issues.