Protesting trainee doctors enforce strict working hours
Medical interns at Katutura State Hospital will now work strictly within prescribed hours, from 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday.
This change in working hours was outlined in a legal notice sent on Friday to the hospital's medical superintendent, Dr Nelago Amagulu, by the legal representatives of the trainee doctors.
"We have instructions to inform you that our clients will no longer continue with the intended industrial action, but that they will not work longer than the prescribed hours until the issue of overtime is resolved as per the court order," said the notice.
This follows criticism of the health ministry for allegedly failing to comply with an arbitration order issued by the labour commissioner.
The trainee doctors have accused the ministry of not implementing the order and have threatened to work only within the working hours outlined if their demands are not met.
Violating labour laws
A petition on the matter was handed to the Office of the Prime Minister last week, in which the trainee doctors outlined grievances related to alleged unpaid overtime, drastic salary reductions, unhealthy working conditions and policies that violate labour laws.
The Health Professions Council of Namibia (HPCNA) stipulates that the internships for trainee doctors must last a minimum of two to three years, with extensions available if the training is not completed within three years.
"However, it has become standard practice to extend internships beyond two years, leading to a significant reduction in the allowance for those continuing their training into a third year. Their monthly allowance has decreased from N$28 165.34 to N$2 244.00 without any new contracts being signed," said Dr Linford Rhodes, who read the petition last week.
Despite the significant reduction in allowances, third-year students are still expected to work the same hours and perform the same duties, Rhodes claimed.
Legal repercussions
Lawyer Wilbard Kagola, acting on behalf of the aggrieved interns, also asked Dr Amagulu’s to outline the hospital's plan to address the grievances.
"If you are complying with the law, please indicate what steps you have taken or plan to take in your capacity as medical superintendent to promote our clients' rights in this matter."
He also filed an application under Section 20 of the Labour Act to enforce the arbitration award.
"Be aware, Dr Amagulu, that your letters and threats towards our clients could be interpreted as an offence under Section 127(1) of the Act. If found guilty, you could be liable under Section 127(2) of the Act for a fine of up to N$10 000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both," Kagola warned.
This change in working hours was outlined in a legal notice sent on Friday to the hospital's medical superintendent, Dr Nelago Amagulu, by the legal representatives of the trainee doctors.
"We have instructions to inform you that our clients will no longer continue with the intended industrial action, but that they will not work longer than the prescribed hours until the issue of overtime is resolved as per the court order," said the notice.
This follows criticism of the health ministry for allegedly failing to comply with an arbitration order issued by the labour commissioner.
The trainee doctors have accused the ministry of not implementing the order and have threatened to work only within the working hours outlined if their demands are not met.
Violating labour laws
A petition on the matter was handed to the Office of the Prime Minister last week, in which the trainee doctors outlined grievances related to alleged unpaid overtime, drastic salary reductions, unhealthy working conditions and policies that violate labour laws.
The Health Professions Council of Namibia (HPCNA) stipulates that the internships for trainee doctors must last a minimum of two to three years, with extensions available if the training is not completed within three years.
"However, it has become standard practice to extend internships beyond two years, leading to a significant reduction in the allowance for those continuing their training into a third year. Their monthly allowance has decreased from N$28 165.34 to N$2 244.00 without any new contracts being signed," said Dr Linford Rhodes, who read the petition last week.
Despite the significant reduction in allowances, third-year students are still expected to work the same hours and perform the same duties, Rhodes claimed.
Legal repercussions
Lawyer Wilbard Kagola, acting on behalf of the aggrieved interns, also asked Dr Amagulu’s to outline the hospital's plan to address the grievances.
"If you are complying with the law, please indicate what steps you have taken or plan to take in your capacity as medical superintendent to promote our clients' rights in this matter."
He also filed an application under Section 20 of the Labour Act to enforce the arbitration award.
"Be aware, Dr Amagulu, that your letters and threats towards our clients could be interpreted as an offence under Section 127(1) of the Act. If found guilty, you could be liable under Section 127(2) of the Act for a fine of up to N$10 000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both," Kagola warned.
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