IMF Considerations Key in Health Sector Salary Talks – Dr. Ferguson

Health Minister, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, says future negotiations between the Government and public sector health workers must be done against the background of Jamaica’s obligations to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Addressing delegates at the recent annual general meeting of the Public Health Nurses Special Interest Group held at the Jewel Resort, Runaway Bay, St. Ann, Dr. Ferguson said Jamaica has certain obligations to the IMF, under the current four-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF), that must be satisfied, even as matters relating conditions of service and emoluments are discussed.

He pointed out that “certain adjustments and improvements”, including the construction and refurbishing of health centres, have been taking place, pointing out that “those are part and parcel of ensuring that conditions of work are improved.”

“However, as it relates to the other matters (such as salary negotiations), we have to take a ‘country over person’ approach in getting them addressed. I am sure that we all share the concerns of workers in the health sector…(but) Jamaica’s obligations to the IMF must be satisfied, in the interest of the broader picture,” he stated.

Dr. Ferguson assured, however, that “every request from our workers in the health sector will be looked at.”

“I promise you that there will be on-going dialogue and that the parties concerned will be kept informed at all stages of the negotiations,” he said.