Dr. Joseph Epem has dismissed concerns raised by clinical officers as “minimal,” saying the government is actively addressing key issues affecting health workers, including insurance cover, promotions, SHA remittances and pending payments.
Speaking amid rising tensions in the health sector, Dr. Epem maintained that senior government officials are working behind the scenes to resolve the outstanding matters and prevent disruption of services.
High-Level Meeting Yields Insurance Breakthrough
Ayok TV has established that a high-level closed-door meeting was held yesterday, bringing together officials from the Public Service Board, the Office of the Solicitor and the Ministry of Health.
Sources familiar with the discussions say the meeting resolved several critical issues affecting health workers, including a breakthrough on insurance coverage. Payments to Jubilee Insurance are already underway, with updates expected soon as the suspended cover is set to be reinstated.
Promotions and Recruitment Still Stalled
However, promotions and recruitment processes remain on hold, pending the full constitution of the County Public Service Board. Key positions, including that of Chief Executive Officer and commissioners, are yet to be filled — a delay that continues to hinder staffing decisions.
On the SHA matter, it is understood that the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service have been directed to fast-track remittances to clear pending obligations.
Pressure Mounts Ahead of Planned Strike
Despite the reported progress, the Ministry of Health is pushing for urgent action to avert a looming strike expected to begin tomorrow.
Health officials are now calling on the Governor to personally intervene and convene a meeting before the strike commences, warning that failure to act swiftly could lead to significant disruption in healthcare services.
With negotiations intensifying, attention now shifts to whether last-minute interventions will be enough to prevent a shutdown of critical health services.
