Pay hiccups for health workers

Listen to this article:

Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU.

Some community health workers have not been paid, according to Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu.

He said these workers were meant to receive a $200 monthly allowance if they were registered and handed in their reports every month.

Although he did not say how long these community health workers have not been paid, Dr Lalabalavu admitted it was an issue that must be fixed.

“They must be registered and submit their reports. If they don’t, payments get delayed.”

The minister said part of the problem was the government’s financial cap, which limits how much can be paid out daily.

“Some payments are held up for days or even weeks,” he added.

He said community health workers with bad internet connections must travel to submit their paperwork in person.

“We know they face connectivity issues, especially in remote areas. We sympathise with them.”

He added the ministry was doing its best to fix the delays.

“When it’s brought to my attention, we follow it up as quickly as possible.”

Dr Lalabalavu says the Government is looking at ways to improve the system.