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In response to the Ministry of Health, the Sierra Leone Medical Doctors Association (SLMDA) has raised critical concerns regarding fuel allocations for eligible medical doctors.
The association expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s quick reply regarding the establishment of a Standing Committee to oversee fuel distribution but challenged several assertions made in the Ministry’s recent communications.
The association demands that the Ministry provide a signed document outlining commitments made during a recent meeting with the Vice President.
They emphasized their readiness to withhold services if the Ministry fails to meet their demands. SLMDA clarified that full payments for the first and second quarters of 2024 were completed prior to the Ministry’s October 22 meeting, contradicting claims that those payments were still pending.
The association emphasized that their members utilize a fuel card system for allocations, a system originally agreed upon following a 2022 strike aimed at resolving ongoing fuel distribution issues.
The association also addressed the legitimacy of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) initiated by the Ministry in 2022, stating that previous commitments made during negotiations should not be questioned now.
They highlighted four key decisions made during discussions with the Vice President, including prompt payments for the third and fourth quarters of 2024 and the establishment of a committee to ensure smoother fuel allocation processes.
SLMDA reiterated that their members did not use the third and fourth quarter allocations as leverage to suspend a planned strike, highlighting the overdue nature of the third-quarter allocation.
They called for transparency and accountability, urging the Ministry of Health to foster an environment that upholds medical ethics.
The document must be delivered by November 1, 2024, or SLMDA members will initiate a nationwide sit-down strike.
In response, the Ministry of Health expressed its commitment to collaborating with SLMDA and highlighted efforts made to expedite fuel allowances for 2024. The Minister reminded SLMDA that signing an MOU would require further consultations and emphasized the necessity of adhering to the Civil Service regulations.
Despite assurances from the Ministry regarding the payment of fuel allowances and the formation of a standing committee to ensure consistent provisions, the SLMDA remains steadfast in its demands, warning of potential disruptions to patient care if resolutions are not promptly achieved.
