Despite meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis this week, doctors are still set to take a strike vote today.
It comes following months of protesting and lobbying for better conditions, according to Consultant Physician Staff Association (CPSA) President Dr. Locksley Munroe.
Dr. Minnis heard their concerns and asked for a priority list for him to review.
Dr. Munroe, however, said doctors still feel the need to move forward with the strike vote.
Back in September – just one day after junior doctors and nurses protested outside the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) – senior doctors and consultants threatened industrial action as the CPSA gave the government an ultimatum, “respect us” or else.
Mounting concerns ranging from faulty air-conditioning units, lack of essential medical supplies and simple respect have led the senior doctors to take a stand.
Executives of the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) then met with junior doctors who protested that month in an effort to “ease the tension” as it was announced recently that there is no money left in the budget to meet their demands.
PHA Managing Director Catherine Weech said while the discussions were amicable, there is not much that can be done at this time to address their concerns of pay increases, deteriorating working conditions and other benefits.
