By Bill W. Cooper
A coalition of healthcare workers has petitioned the Liberian Senate to prioritize the implementation of a salary reclassification policy and the inclusion of volunteer employment in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025 budget.
However, they are requesting a meeting with the senators in less than five days in order to discuss their concerns and work towards a resolution that supports them, and ensures the continued provision of quality healthcare services in Liberia.
They, therefore, threatened that failure to address their issues may result in unavoidable actions, including a strike, which will severely impact healthcare delivery across Liberia noting, “We are committed to our duty and to the health of the nation, but we cannot continue to work under the current inequitable condition.”
The conglomeration of healthcare workers includes the Pharmaceutical Association of Liberia, Liberia Nurses Association, Liberia National Physician Assistants Association and Liberia Midwives Association.
Others are Liberia Society of Medical Imaging Technologists, Liberia Association of Operating Room Technicians and the President for OB, Peds and neonatal clinicians (ONPCAL).
In their petition to the senators, the health workers stated, “We the undersigned, leaders of the various cadres of health workers across Liberia write to urgently petition you, members of the Senate to ensure that the 2025 national budget includes provisions for the implementation of the reclassification policy of health workers and the employment of healthcare workers who are serving as volunteers.”
The petition which was presented yesterday to the Chairperson on the Senate’s Committee on Health, Dabah Varpilah also underscores the urgent need for equitable compensation and support for the nation’s healthcare workforce.
According to them, the proposed salary reclassification policy aims to address these disparities by establishing a more equitable pay structure that recognizes the qualifications, experience, and contributions of healthcare professionals.
They are contending that despite their unwavering commitment to providing essential healthcare services to Liberians, their efforts have not been matched with fair compensation and appropriate classification.
The healthcare workers warned that the current salaries of health workers do not reflect the evolving responsibilities, skills, and the critical role that they play, especially in times of public health crises.
They maintained that the reclassification policy is not just a matter of fairness; it is essential for the retention and motivation of health workers across the 15 counties of Liberia.
The health workers emphasized, “The disparities and low salaries and compensation of health workers contribute to low morale, financial stress, and in some cases, the exodus of skilled professionals seeking better opportunities elsewhere.”
“We have endeavored to communicate our concerns through various channels, yet our calls for reform have not yielded the necessary actions. Therefore, we strongly urge the workers as well as provisions that ensure the employment of our colleagues who are volunteering at the various health facilities and communities,” their petition maintained.
Apparently, many healthcare workers are feeling undervalued and overworked, with salaries that do not reflect their critical roles in safeguarding public health during past and present governments.
The healthcare sector in Liberia has faced numerous challenges since the end of the country’s 14 years of Civil war, coupled with the effect of the Ebola outbreak and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Receiving the petition, Sen. Varpilah expressed support and noted, “The healthcare workers of Liberia deserve our utmost respect and support and this petition will be highly considered.”
“Your commitment to serving our people, often under dire conditions, should not go unnoticed. I will work with my colleagues to ensure that your voices are heard and that we take actionable steps towards implementing these necessary changes,” she added. Edited
