Scores of the island’s public medical doctors are restive.

This is due to delayed negotiations with the Finance Ministry regarding extra hours worked policy rates.

In a statement this morning, the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association, JMDA said it is disgruntled that the Finance Ministry has continuously prolonged the negotiations.

According to President Dr. Mindi Fitz Henley the rates were initially to be concluded by April 2023, but additional time was requested, as the ministry was unable to meet the deadline. 

The Association says following subsequent meetings, doctors  still do not have any overtime rates, despite their proclamation that the “extra hours worked policy” for the public service is to be implemented with effect from April 1, 2024.”

The Association says member’s patience has run out and they will not be strong-armed into accepting overtime rates without negotiations.