Medical imaging technologist and pharmacist positions are areas that the Ministry of Health is still facing difficulties in attracting qualified applicants.
Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu told the Parliament that this was due to lack of interest from applicants in these two fields as graduates opted to take up better offer from other organisations.
“Strategies of salary adjustment within the eligible salary range were not approved, but the Ministry will continue to work on other retention strategies that can attract these cadre holders,” Ratu Atonio said.
“The ministry is also working on re-evaluating allied health professionals such as environmental health, medical imaging technologists and pharmacists where necessary to accommodate additional responsibilities to grow and service demand and emerging need.”
He said some measures put in place by the Government and ministry were working.
“We are seeing a slowing down of staff attrition rate from the ministry.
“We may not be able to match salaries of remunerations in the private sector or abroad, but we can make their working conditions attractive enough for those who have the passion and commitment to stay and serve the ministry and the nation.”
