The new pay framework for the health sector implemented on May 1 is expected to benefit over 3,000 workers.
The new salary structure has resulted in 3,710 workers receiving an increase in pay, of which 520 are employed at regional hospitals, 471 at atoll hospitals, 965 at health centres, 1,004 at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), 298 at Hulhumale' Hospital, and 452 employees at other facilities.
At a press conference held at the President's Office, Secretary General of the National Pay Commission (NPC) Dr. Mohamed Faizal said that the new pay framework was formulated to increase salaries for health professionals and incentivise health workers to obtain undergraduate degrees. He said the framework also aims to promote the pursuit of careers in fields that are currently dominated by foreign workers. He clarified that only Maldivians would benefit from the new pay framework and that those who have received salary hikes would receive an increment to their allowance every two years.
In accordance with the new changes, the salaries of 236 general medical officers have been raised to USD2,100-2,900, salaries of 120 specialist doctors have been raised to USD2,600-3,500, and salaries of 11 sub-specialists have been raised USD4,400-USD6,000. In addition, a total of 1,971 nurses will now receive USD1,200-2,000, 117 special care nurses will receive USD1,600, and nurse managers will receive USD2,000-USD3,100.
The government has brought revisions to 9,838 workers in the health sector and increased the allowance of administrative workers by 35%, which includes 4,761 employees at various health facilities and 1,367 government workers. The new pay framework is expected to cost USD31.2 million annually.