24 Hour Care at Risk over Delayed Payments for Healthcare Workers

Public healthcare workers in Mauritius are threatening to refuse all overtime duties unless the Ministry of Health immediately resolves prolonged delays in salary payments.

The State and Other Employees Federation (SOEF) issued the ultimatum following years of mounting frustration over unpaid allowances.

The union warns that a total cessation of overtime could severely jeopardise the quality, efficiency, and continuity of national healthcare services.

Escalating Protest Action

The warning follows a demonstration staged by SOEF leaders outside Government House on Thursday, 28 May, to draw public attention to deteriorating working conditions.

Following the protest, the union formally submitted a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) detailing a situation they describe as deeply alarming.

Union leaders have not ruled out a full-scale protest movement if the ministry fails to regularise the outstanding payments for overtime, night shifts, and other statutory compensations in the shortest possible timeframe.

Critical Staff Shortages

According to the federation, the payment crisis is compounded by a chronic shortage of personnel.

The Ministry of Health is reportedly facing a backlog of vacant posts across both medical and paramedical grades.

This staffing deficit persists despite an increasing demand for healthcare services and the physical expansion of the island’s medical infrastructure, including hospitals, Mediclinics, and Area Health Centres.

In its correspondence to the PMO, the SOEF stated:

“The Ministry of Health provides an essential 24-hour public service. In the absence of adequate recruitment and the filling of vacant posts, employees are constantly called upon to work overtime, night guards, and shifts on Sundays and public holidays to ensure continuity of care for the population.”

Burnout and Staff Retention Risks

The union highlighted the severe human toll of the prolonged crisis, citing intense pressure on existing staff, widespread fatigue, low morale, and a high risk of professional burnout.

The significant delays and outright non-payment of owed allowances have fueled growing resentment among staff.

The SOEF warns this could worsen employee retention rates at a time when the health system is already grappling with critical shortages, ultimately threatening patient care.

Urgent Demands for Reform

Radhakrishna Sadien, the negotiator representing the SOEF, has made an urgent appeal for government intervention.

To resolve the crisis sustainably, the union is demanding:

• An accelerated recruitment process to urgently fill all vacant positions.
• The immediate payment of all outstanding allowances and compensations.
• A comprehensive review of staff distribution to reduce the system’s reliance on overtime.
• Long-term structural measures to reinforce human resources across the public health sector.

Source: Le Mauricien