Posted by By Bekai Njie
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has finally paid 16 million dalasis transport allowances owed to four major hospitals in The Gambia.
The said amount covers from January to August 2018. It was paid following warnings by staffs of Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Serrekunda General Hospital, Bundung Maternal and Child Health Hospital and Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Center, that they may go for a sit-down strike if government fails to act.
The increment in transportation came following a Presidential Pronouncement for government workers between grade one and nine of the government pay-scale.
Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, was paid D9, 416.000.000, Sheihk Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre received 1, 032.000, while Bundung Maternal and Child Health Hospital got 2, 336.000 and Kanifing General Hospital got 3, 888.000.
Dr. Isatou Touray, the minister of Health said through a constructive dialogue with the Ministry of Finance they were able to get the money to pay the staff of the four major hospitals in country.
She said that her ministry is committed to addressing the concerns raised by health workers. She however, urged them to always raise their concerns at the right time, while commending them for their continued effort towards improving the health service delivery.