President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced the details of the new pay framework for health sector employees, which will come into effect on May 1.
In a special video message, President Solih detailed some of the revisions made to the wages of health sector employees. He stated that a senior registered nurse previously earning USD1,326 as total pay, will now earn USD1,898 without overtime pay whereas a specialist nurse will now earn USD2,722. A senior medical officer will earn an average monthly pay of USD2,693 without overtime and a subspecialist consultant with the highest grade will now earn USD6,364 without overtime pay.
President Solih relayed that the government has also brought revisions to social service sector employees, including psychologists, councilors, and social workers. He further stated that the employees who have not received the 35% allowance working in government ministries will start receiving the 35% allowance effective as well.
Furthermore, President Solih also stated that the government has decided to start providing an internship allowance for students who pursue medical and dental internships and introduce a scholarship loan program to equip Maldivians in areas of the health sector previously lacking Maldivian representation. He disclosed that these salary changes and 35% allowance for staff in all government ministries would benefit a total of 9,838 employees and cost USD31.2 million annually. He expressed hope that these improvements will lead to greater service and incentivise more Maldivians to join the health sector workforce.
In conclusion, President Solih stated that relevant ministries would provide additional information on the adjustments made to the salary structure.