By Nasratu Kargbo
According to a report launched by ActionAid Sierra Leone, only 38% of qualified health workers in Peripheral Health Units (PHUs) receive salaries from the government.
The report which was launched on the 28th July 2023 titled “IMF wage bill ceiling and the Sierra Leonean’s right to adequate frontline workers” stated the findings were in selected districts, explaining that whilst 38% receive salaries from government, the remaining 62% are either on-the-job as trainees or volunteers.
It emphasized that this could have a huge effect on health services delivery.
“Of the 7 PHUs, each has a staff (all staff) of 2 or more, which almost meets the WHO requirement of 2.5 staff per PHU. In relation to qualified health workers, 85% have at least a nursing certificate” a part reads.
Highlighting findings made at the national level, the report stated that “The health workers’ wage bill as a percentage of the government's total budget decreased from 4.13% in 2022 to 3.48% in 2023. As a percentage of the total wage bill, it also decreased from 13.1% in 2022 to 12% in 2023”.
It explained that the country’s current population stands at 7,548,702, adding that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:1,000, meaning the country would need 7,548 doctors to meet its healthcare needs. Speaking on the nation’s current status, it added that the country’s physician count stands at fewer than 650, necessitating a 14- fold increase in the number of medical practitioners by the government.
Explaining the gap in the number of qualified nurses and midwives, the report states, “There is an inadequate number of qualified nurses and midwives needed to provide universal health coverage for the basic package of treatment. To meet population needs, 3,000 midwives are needed, but only 750 are practicing. To meet the required number of midwives, the government needs to increase the number of midwives by 4-fold”.
Amongst the recommendations made was for development of a plan to reduce the high doctor-patient, nurse and midwives’ ratio.
The institution demanded from the government that the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) advice on public sector wage bills does not affect the recruitment and placement of additional teachers and health workers.
It also asked that the government push for debt cancellation, stating- “Sierra Leone has to restructure its existing debt obligation and cooperate with the international community to guarantee complete debt cancellation that will increase the fiscal space for the government to increase investment in vital sectors like education and health”.
ActionAid Sierra Leone (AASL) is a member of the global Federation of ActionAid working to achieve social justice, gender equality and poverty eradication.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (09/08/23)
