Medical Doctors To Down Tools …As 21 Days Ultimatum Ends Today

By Desmond Isaac Macauley
Doctors across Sierra Leone have raised serious concerns over their conditions of service noting that government has failed to honor the MOU that they signed up to.
Dr Samba Jalloh, Vice President for the Sierra Leone Medical Dental Association (SLMDA) said the MOU that was signed with the government of Sierra Leone is not being respected, he urged for new additions to be made that will include the things that matters to them if not they will go on strike.
He indicated that they have had series of meetings, virtually, elections conducted, to show how credible their association is, and that they stand as one on every decision that they take.
He added that, when he was the Secretary General of SLMDA they did their best to resolve this same issue but it keeps repeating adding that even though he is currently working in the provinces, the issue of fuel has not stopped him from doing his job.
He stated that some key things that they need in the MOU are not there and made reference to the consistency of fuel and asked that the Ministry of Finance be a part of the agreement in partnership with the Ministry of Health.
“Doctors are using post pay to finance their expenses and at the end of the day their allowances are not returned,” he revealed.
He disclosed that the SLMDA gave 21 days ultimatum to government to meet their demands and if they are not met, it will warrant a strike action from the Association.
The President for the Sierra Leone Medical Dental Association (SLMDA), Dr Freddi Coker stated that every doctor is entitled to 45 liters of fuel every week but it has been a challenge for them despite efforts being made by reaching out to the Ministry of Health to resolve the issue.
He continued that the SLMDA sent a letter to the Ministry of health with an ultimatum that within 21 days their fuel allowances should be paid for the two quarters which is for the first six months of the year.
He said that no payment has been made since the starting of the year.
He said that in a meeting of 18th October 2024, the SLMDA Executive agreed that if the Ministry refuse to engage them within the 21-day period which expires today, doctors will revert to their strike action.
He also mentioned the white paper that was put together to address all their allowance issues and a commission that was formed through an Act of Parliament in 2023, the Wages and Perpetuation Commission which is believed to have the power to look into all wages and salaries of government workers.
He said that, the strike is a very big decision and should not be taken lightly as they have been patient for months as an association.
He concluded that 30% of doctors wants to leave the country if the opportunity arises, because they are not happy with their conditions of service which in turn will cause brain drain in the country.
The International Liaison Officer for the Junior Doctors in Sierra Leone, Dr Henry Sankoh Jr. said that as junior doctors they are in solidarity with the SLMDA as they are not getting their fuel allowances on time.
He emphasised the importance of the fuel as it’s what they use for transportation to go to work every day. He asked for a permanent solution moving forward.