Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has established a committee to address longstanding concerns affecting doctors and nurses at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, with a mandate to report to him weekly and hold monthly meetings as part of new measures to resolve workplace issues.
The announcement follows growing complaints from medical staff over pay and conditions at the island's main referral hospital. The committee is expected to bring together representatives of the hospital administration, the Ministry of Health and the medical and nursing associations, though its full membership has not yet been made public.
Skerrit said the weekly reporting mechanism would allow his office to monitor progress directly and ensure that grievances are not left to fester. Monthly meetings will provide a formal channel for staff representatives to raise matters with senior officials, he added.
The Prime Minister's intervention comes amid persistent reports of dissatisfaction among doctors and nurses, who have cited delayed payments, inadequate allowances and difficult working conditions. The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, located in Roseau, serves as the primary referral facility for the entire island and handles emergency, surgical and specialist care.
Health sector sources have indicated that staffing shortages and equipment challenges have added to the strain on medical personnel, particularly in specialised units. The committee is expected to examine these issues alongside remuneration.
While the government has not disclosed a timeline for the committee's first report, Skerrit's decision to receive updates weekly signals a desire to accelerate resolution. The monthly meetings are intended to create a standing dialogue between hospital staff and the authorities.
Public sector unions representing nurses and doctors have previously called for urgent action on salaries and conditions. It remains to be seen whether the new committee will satisfy their demands or whether further industrial action could follow.
Dominica's health system relies heavily on the Friendship Hospital, which was built with Chinese assistance and opened in 2016. Any disruption to services there would have widespread effects across the island, from Portsmouth to the Kalinago Territory.
The Prime Minister's announcement is likely to be welcomed by hospital staff as a sign that their concerns are being taken seriously at the highest level of government. However, the effectiveness of the committee will depend on its ability to deliver concrete results, not just reports.
Further details on the committee's composition and terms of reference are expected in the coming days. Dominica 1 will provide updates as they become available.
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