Opposition spokesman on health Dr Alfred Dawes speaking at a news conference at the Office of the Opposition Leader in St Andrew. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
February 24, 2025
Dawes demands justice for healthcare workers amid islandwide sickout
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesperson on Health and Wellness Dr Alfred Dawes is calling on the Government to immediately address an ongoing wage dispute among government medical consultants, resulting in them staging an islandwide sickout.
The medical consultants are reportedly pushing back at what they say is a “lacklustre response” from the government concerning ongoing wage disputes and unresolved matters stemming from the recent compensation restructuring exercise.
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Dawes, in a statement on Monday, urged the government to immediately address the “injustice” and pay the medical consultants what they are owed.
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“Today, Jamaica’s healthcare system faces an unprecedented crisis as government medical consultants have taken the difficult decision to withdraw their services in protest of the continued failure to pay their retroactive salaries under the new compensation review for the public sector. This islandwide sickout has disrupted operations at clinics and hospitals, leaving patients in limbo and further exposing the fragility of our healthcare system. It is deeply troubling that while the government swiftly approved and paid themselves salary increases, including retroactive payments, our medical consultants — the very professionals tasked with saving lives — are left waiting for what they are rightfully owed,” he said.
He continued, “This glaring inequity is not just an insult to our healthcare workers but a betrayal of the Jamaican people who depend on them for care. Medical consultants are the cornerstone of our
healthcare system. Their expertise, dedication and leadership are vital to the delivery of quality care. Yet, they are forced to take this drastic action because the government has failed to honour its
commitment to them.”
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“This is not just about money; it is about respect, fairness and the value we place on those who dedicate their lives to serving others. The government’s inaction sends a clear message: that the health and well-being of the nation are not a priority. While politicians did not hesitate to ensure their own financial security, they have left our healthcare workers — and by extension, the Jamaican people — to suffer the consequences of their neglect,” Dawes added.
Dawes urged the government to exercise urgency and commitment in addressing the matter as the health of the nation depends on it.
