Let Govt pay church health workers

THOSE who serve in the Church Health Services (CHS) are equal partners in delivering much-needed basic health services to the people.
Many of them serve in the most remote locations around the country despite the struggles they face every day in their efforts to save lives.
However, it is very sad to see them work without being paid for so many fortnights while their colleagues in Government-run health service institutions get their pay on time every pay day.
This continuous salary issue indicates that their salary management system or process is not functioning well.
We are told that CHS workers are paid by the CHS authority rather than the Health Department’s payroll system.
The sad fact that they are denied what is rightfully theirs has caused some to protest recently to express their grievances.
Continuous interruption to their service delivery due to the non-payment of salaries does not look good as they are just like the other public servants who are on a two-week budget.
They cannot be allowed to continue working without being paid their dues.
Therefore, it would be much better if all CHS workers are paid directly by the Government through Health Department’s payroll system.
The Health Department, Church Health Services, Health Workers Union and the Public Service Commission need to address this to avoid further inconveniences and frustrations.
How can the Government preach about delivering basic health services when the hard working implementers’ welfare is not taken care of?

Joseph Ambane John,
Mingende Market,
Kundiawa