President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced a series of substantial amendments to the salary structures within the health and education sectors, marking a significant shift in favor of healthcare professionals and educators across the Maldives.
In a move that underscores the government’s commitment to healthcare workers, President Solih has modified the recently introduced salary structure for the health sector. The president’s decision allows medical doctors to receive an attendance allowance for their dedication and service on government holidays. Moreover, after careful consideration of a petition submitted by nurses at the Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), President Solih, in collaboration with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Ministry of Finance, has initiated several key changes.
Nurses in Focus
One of the key revisions is the introduction of an attendance allowance for nurses working on government holidays, recognizing their vital role in providing continuous healthcare services.
Additionally, the president’s commitment to career progression within the nursing field is evident in his decision to promote non-clinical nurses at healthcare facilities to the coveted position of clinical nurses. This strategic move aims to acknowledge and reward nurses for their dedication and expertise.
For those nurses who faced demotions as a result of the new salary structure, President Solih has introduced a path to reinstatement. Nurses whose responsibilities remain unchanged can return to their previous positions on the condition that they continue their studies. In a further extension of support, President Solih has extended the grace period for nurses to pursue additional education from 2018 to 2026. These actions signify the government’s resolve to resolve the concerns faced by nurses affected by the new salary structure.
Education Professionals and Teachers Granted Extension
President Solih and the Ministry of Finance have also addressed the concerns of education professionals and teachers regarding the state pay framework. The extension of the deadline for employees to select their preferred pension and benefits plan offers flexibility and a sense of empowerment to these crucial professionals. Now, educators may choose their desired plan if they resign by January 2024, altering the previous stipulation of having to wait 18 months after being transferred to the state pay framework.
In response to these significant changes, spokesperson Miuvaan announced that the President’s Office has issued directives to the National Pay Commission (NPC) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to implement these adjustments. These modifications in the salary structures reflect President Solih’s commitment to creating a fair and motivating environment for healthcare workers, educators, and professionals, ultimately improving the overall quality of public services in the Maldives.