Health professionals, nurses, and frontline workers are still waiting for their outstanding COVID-19 allowance, estimated at around $6 million, according to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).
Although Parliament sat last week, there was no mention of the allowance payment, raising concerns amongst provincial health workers who continue to wait for the long-promised support.
Speaking to the Solomon Star during the handover of the refurbished Helena Goldie Hospital in April, Health Minister Dr. Paul Bosawai confirmed that $3 million—representing 50% of the total allowance—has been included in this year’s budget.
Dr. Bosawai explained that this first allocation will be directed to provincial health workers in recognition of their tireless service during the pandemic.
“This COVID-19 allowance is the outstanding due promised to all hardworking provincial health workers and frontliners during the COVID-19 crisis,” Dr. Bosawai said.
He added that further allocations would be considered if the budget allows. Otherwise, the remaining balance will be paid next year.
The allowance was introduced as part of the government’s commitment to support health staff during the COVID-19 response. However, the prolonged delay has left many workers frustrated and disappointed.
For several years, MHMS has pointed to procedural and technical accounting issues as the main cause of the delay.
The Ministry said donor funding requirements needed to be met before funds could be accessed.
“These issues are important to address so MHMS finance can fulfill donor-funding requirements. Donor funds will also be used to pay wages of COVID-19 employees under casual contracts.
“For permanent frontline staff, allowances will continue to be paid by SIG alongside their normal salaries,” MHMS stated.
The Ministry added that all necessary requirements have now been completed, including the retirement of outstanding imprests for COVID-19 operations, which have been submitted to the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
Dr. Bosawai reiterated that provincial health workers will be prioritized this year with $3 million allocated for their outstanding allowances.
Meanwhile, three provinces—Honiara, Temotu, and Ngella—have already received their payments between last year and this year.
“Western Province will be the last province to settle their COVID-19 allowances, following the other provinces as well,” an inside source spoke to Solomon Star said.
Western Province Health workers that yet to receive their COVID-19 includes all the Direct Employee, Registered Nurses, Nurses Aid and other Health workers in from Marovo to Shortland Islands.
MHMS yet to confirmed when is the actual date for Western Province Health workers to receive their outstanding COVID-19 allowance.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
