The Samoa Medical Association has rejected moves by the Public Service Commission to deduct baseline salary rates for doctors and will take action to “work to rule” if their grievances are not addressed. 

The “work to rule” plan – which involves doctors working only normal hours from 8 am to 4 pm and not undertaking after-hours duties and weekend work – will go into effect on 1 July 2023 if the Government does not reconsider the changes being promulgated by the P.S.C.

In a press statement issued on Thursday afternoon, the S.M.A. confirmed its position to refuse the salary proposal put forward by the P.S.C.

The S.M.A. also reaffirmed that its members have collectively decided to implement the “work to rule” action if there is no “favourable response” from the Government on the issues raised. 

The decision by the doctors to take this course of action comes despite extensive consultations with the P.S.C. and a formal letter that outlined a counter proposal from the Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) to the salary changes.

According to the association, doctors' salaries should reflect the distinct demands and responsibilities associated with providing medical care, especially within Samoa’s unique healthcare setting. 

“The P.S.C.'s proposal aimed to align doctors' salaries with those of other professionals under its umbrella. However, the S.M.A. firmly believes that the medical profession is unique and demanding, particularly given the current shortage of doctors in Samoa,” the statement from S.M.A. reads.

“The association emphasizes that the practice of medicine requires specialized skills, continuous education, and a significant level of dedication and commitment. 

“As such, the S.M.A. asserts that doctors' salaries should reflect the distinct demands and responsibilities associated with providing medical care, especially within Samoa's unique healthcare setting.

“Furthermore, it is crucial to highlight that doctors do not engage in overtime work out of personal preference or enjoyment but rather due to an unwavering commitment to ensuring the uninterrupted provision of essential services, especially in the face of ongoing health challenges.”

The S.M.A. says it has also written to the Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa about the issue and seeks a favourable response, which will recognise the importance of fair compensation and appropriate recognition for the medical profession. 

See below the full press statement from the S.M.A.

Samoa Medical Association Rejects Public Service Commission's Salary Proposal and Implements "Work to Rule" Action

The Samoa Medical Association (SMA) has agreed to reject the salary proposal put forth by the Public Service Commission (PSC), which includes deductions to baseline salary rates for doctors within the ministry and the replacement of on-call payments with responsibility allowances to be effective on 1st July 2023, as its Special General Meeting held on 21st June 2023. Furthermore, the SMA has collectively decided to implement a "work to rule" action, effective on the same date if this matter is not reconsidered. This action will involve doctors working only normal hours, from 8 am to 4 pm, with no after-hours on-call duties or weekend work.

The decisions made by the SMA were the result of extensive consultations with the Public Service Commission and a formal letter outlining the Ministry's counter-proposal to the salary changes. The PSC's proposal aimed to align doctors' salaries with those of other professionals under its umbrella; however, the SMA firmly believes that the medical profession is unique and demanding, particularly given the current shortage of doctors in Samoa.

Recognizing the distinct nature of the medical profession, the SMA discards the salary deductions suggested by the PSC. The association emphasizes that the practice of medicine requires specialized skills, continuous education, and a significant level of dedication and commitment. As such, the SMA asserts that doctors' salaries should reflect the distinct demands and responsibilities associated with providing medical care, especially within Samoa's unique healthcare setting.

Furthermore, it is crucial to highlight that doctors do not engage in overtime work out of personal preference or enjoyment but rather due to an unwavering commitment to ensuring the uninterrupted provision of essential services, especially in the face of ongoing health challenges.

Additionally, the SMA has formally written to the Prime Minister and her cabinet on June 23rd, 2023, to express their concerns regarding this matter. The association seeks a favourable response from the government, recognizing the importance of fair compensation and appropriate recognition for the medical profession. The SMA remains committed to engaging in constructive dialogue with the government to address these concerns and find a mutually beneficial resolution.

In light of the current situation, the SMA has collectively agreed to implement a "work to rule" action starting from July 1st, 2023. Doctors will adhere strictly to normal working hours, from 8 am to 4 pm, Mondays to Fridays only and refrain from participating in after-hours on-call duties and weekend work. This action is intended to emphasize the value of doctors' time, advocate for a healthy work-life balance, and raise awareness of the need for fair compensation and recognition for their efforts.

The SMA remains dedicated to upholding the rights and well-being of medical professionals and ensuring the provision of quality healthcare services to the people of Samoa. The association anticipates a favourable response from the government to address the concerns raised and looks forward to engaging in productive discussions for a mutually satisfactory resolution.