The issue of non-payment of allowances for Pharm D House Officers has escalated to the point of potential legal action. The House Officers, through their representatives, have taken a formal stance against the Ministry of Health (MOH) for the failure to disburse their entitled allowances upon completion of their mandatory housemanship.
In a formal letter addressed to the Ministry of Health, the officers’ representatives expressed their concerns, citing previous correspondences and meetings with the Pharmacy Council. The letter serves as a warning of potential legal action if the issue remains unresolved.
The representatives reiterated that despite previous attempts to address the matter, they are yet to receive a formal response from the Ministry of Health. They attached a copy of their initial letter dated 13th May 2024 for reference.
According to the letter, the Pharm D House Officers were engaged by the Pharmacy Council, acting on behalf of the Ministry of Health, for a period from 3rd July 2023 to 3rd July 2024. Throughout this period, the officers claim that they did not receive any allowances, contrary to established practice.
Furthermore, the letter highlights that a meeting was convened by the Pharmacy Council on 4th June 2024 to discuss the non-payment of allowances. At this meeting, the Pharmacy Council reportedly assured the officers of presenting a proposal to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) for the payment of their outstanding allowances.
The failure to address this matter has led the House Officers to consider legal action as a means of seeking recourse for the non-payment of their entitled allowances.
It is imperative for all stakeholders involved to recognize the gravity of this situation and work towards an amicable resolution. Failure to do so may result in protracted legal proceedings that could have been otherwise avoided through constructive dialogue and timely action.
The Ministry of Health and relevant authorities are urged to prioritize this matter and engage in meaningful discussions with the affected Pharm D House Officers to swiftly resolve the issue at hand.
The non-payment of allowances not only impacts the affected individuals but also reflects poorly on the healthcare system as a whole. It is crucial to uphold fairness and integrity in all professional engagements, and addressing this issue promptly is essential in upholding these principles.
The House Officers have taken a firm stance, and it is now incumbent upon the authorities to respond with equal seriousness and commitment to finding a resolution that is satisfactory to all parties involved.
-source starrfm | curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
