By Grace Q. Bryant
The Liberia Medical and Dental Association (LMDA) has rejected a proposed salary increase of $225 for medical specialists and $50 for nurses, calling it a “gross insult” to their profession.
Addressing journalists in Monrovia, the LMDA president Peter George decried the harsh treatment of health workers, arguing that they are being compensated at the level of janitors despite managing critical responsibilities.
Dr. George highlighted a proposal, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, to reclassify salaries for 90 specialists and consultants, with an estimated cost of $800,000 annually.
However, the government has resisted this proposal, insisting on the smaller increments.
“The LMDA is not requesting salary increases but is demanding the reclassification of salaries to reflect the roles and responsibilities of medical professionals,” Dr. George stated.
The association criticized the government’s failure to address healthcare workers’ needs, warning that the current proposal undermines progress in the health sector.
The LMDA also called for adequate medical supplies, essential diagnostic and treatment equipment, housing for rural healthcare workers, and improved ambulance services. He’s urging the government to include the reclassification in the 2025 national budget, noting, “Healthcare workers should not live in poverty. Our sacrifices deserve recognition, and we must demand fair treatment.”
