Dear Editor,

I AM delighted to hear that the government has decided to agree to the terms of protesting health workers with minimum disruption in the process of our lives. It is a step in the right direction when any sitting government can bargain with workers who feel that they are not treated properly by their employers and that they are under appreciated.

Health care workers will now be known as “frontline workers” and priority will be given to this group of citizens. Moreover, Head of State President Mohammed Irfaan Ali has stated that they will no doubt be given two weeks pay or the two weeks bonus this Christmas.

If this isn’t showing workers in the health care industry that this government cares for their well-being, then what is?
I know the equipment, gloves and masks for the health care officials are being looked at by the Minister of Health and a team of specialists with the view to making more available to them in the shortest possible time-frame necessary to execute the mandate of saving lives during this period. Just wait and you will see more benefits for health care professionals being rolled out.

Salaries and other perks are being looked at now as a team of officials are in discussions with a view to coming to an agreement on the issue, given the current state of the economy as it is being resuscitated and rebased in order to meet the needs of this country.
So, patience is needed because 2021 will bring with it challenges and opportunities. We must practise due diligence and allow the government to work in our interest.

Yours Sincerely,

Attiya Baksh