Lakes state: Hospital staff strike in Yirol West over pay cut

August 20, 2011 (JUBA) — Over 30 hospital staff in Yirol West County of Lakes state went on strike Friday demanding that their salaries be paid in full after the state’s health ministry began only paying half their wages without providing an explanation.

The hospital’s administrator, Daniel Mayor Nhial, said the strike began on Friday at 11 am and that they are trying to persuade the staff to return.

Lakes state minister of health Dr. Samuel Mayek was not able to provide a reason as to why the payments had been reduced. But he appealed to staff members to put forward their suggestions on how to improve health services rather than direct criticisms.

However, the minister did say that more money had been sent to Yirol West hospital in order to pay the staff.

An anonymous staff member accused Dr. Mayek of spending office hours playing card games on his computer and claimed that he does not listen to ministry staff. The minister denies both allegations.

Lakes state has a limited health facilitates but the state government has promised to do more to promote healthcare at all levels.

(ST)