Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton says he is not convinced that the salary increases given to public healthcare workers will cease the movement of this category of state employees to greener pastures.
For years, Guyana has witnessed the exodus of nurses and doctors to countries, primarily the United Kingdom (UK). With the UK recently becoming a visa-free destination, it is still unclear how this will affect future movement. Nevertheless, the government seems confident that the 74 percent salary increase will not just help to retain workers, but attract those desirous of entering the sector.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said earlier this month: “I don’t believe that these professionals left because they wanted to leave Guyana. They left because they felt that they had better opportunities abroad, but with these changes, the environment to practice medicine is improved.”
Norton, however, is skeptical. During a press conference today, the Opposition Leader said: “As it relates to the nurses, the reports coming in is that nurses are leaving the hospitals in droves, and right now, there is a crisis in the health sector because of these departures. Even the increases they suggested to these health workers are not adequate, and so, they are not likely to stem the migration that they hope to stem.”
The leader is advocating for bigger increases, and for equality. He noted that while teachers got an eight percent hike, their salaries were not adjusted. He said that all public workers must be treated equally. Indeed, only healthcare workers and members of the disciplined forces got their salaries adjusted along with the across-the-board eight percent raise.
