Rahael meets with CPO today

HEALTH Minister John Rahael is expected to meet today with the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) regarding the remuneration package for senior doctors and reclassification of pharmacists still employed in the Public Service. Late last month, the Medical Professionals Association of TT complained about stalled negotiations with the Joint Negotiating Team of Regional Health Authorities for enhanced packages for consultants and registrars.
Negotiations began on March 22 and MPATT said only six meetings have taken place while others were postponed. No date had been scheduled for another meeting. In response to the doctors’ complaints, Rahael announced he would speak to the CPO about expediting the process. Contacted for comment last week, Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Team Imtiaz Ahamad did not want to go into details about the negotiations, saying the minister had commented on the issue. All he was willing to disclose was that five areas were put forward for consideration by the CPO.

Newsday spoke to acting president of MPATT Dr Lakhan Roop, who said the issues to be resolved were basic salary, overtime/compensatory days for working on weekends and public holidays and a housing allowance. Roop said at present the allowances house officers (junior doctors) receive were greater than those of their senior counterparts. “That has to be corrected and one way is with the addition of  a housing allowance.” Although discussions have taken place and the doctors were deemed not to qualify for a housing allowance, Roop questioned the stance taken by the employer since the chief magistrate and magistrates receive this payment.