By Kefiloe Kajane
The Lesotho Nursing Council (LNC) has condemned what it calls ‘unethical and unprofessional behaviour’ portrayed by some of the nurses, midwives and nursing assistants working at Tṧepong Hospital, who have taken part in an unlawful industrial action, thereby putting the lives of clients under their care at risk.
The striking nurses complain that they have no standard salary structure such that there is disparity in salary remuneration. They say the hospital pays nurses and nursing assistants salaries equivalent to half the salary of those working at government facilities, adding this has been happening since 2012.
LNC registrar Flavia Moetsana indicated they cannot tolerate such unethical behaviour as it tarnishes the image of the nursing and midwifery profession, and also destroy the trusting nurse-patient relationship within society, and the working relationships among various cadres in nursing.
“LNC takes cognizance of the rights of all employees to complain about unfair working conditions and socio-economic factors as supported by Lesotho labour department and International Labour Organisation (ILO), it is paramount however that in pursuit of these rights, there should be guidance and awareness of each parties to work towards protecting patients and averting unnecessary mortalities, while striving to get to a reasonable yet amicable solution
“The responsibility of a nurse, midwife and nursing assistant is to promote health, prevent illness, to restore health and to alleviate suffering. We call on involved parties to work towards protecting patients and averting unnecessary mortalities. LNC urges the concerned nursing and midwifery personnel to allow themselves to be guided accordingly through all steps of tabling grievances in accordance with local, regional and international guidance on industrial action.”
“The public is advised that it is the responsibility of each registrant and a public representative to act immediately if she or he has a good reason that a colleague or anyone else may be putting someone at risk as they may not be fit to practice for reasons of conduct, health or competence,” Moetsana said.
In another development, the Lesotho Association of Teachers (LAT) has expressed support and solidarity to the nurses.
In a statement issued this week, LAT stated that it has no speck of doubt that the forces that are depriving nurses of their legitimate rights as workers in the health fraternity for a very long time have accumulated wealth through exploitation of workers in all sectors in Lesotho.
“As workers, we share the same desire for decent working conditions and salaries, justice and freedom as enshrined in the ILO conventions.
“It is no secret that Covid-19 has subjected health workers to more perils than ever before, hence exacerbating the whole situation. Thus a need for a safe working environment is much required than any other time in the history of Lesotho.”
Meanwhile, the Coalition of Health Professionals Associations said they are aware of the events taking place at Lesotho’s only referral hospital since the previous week.
“Members and the public should be aware that the struggle taking place is not lead by Coalition of Health professionals but the Lesotho Nurses Association which is a member in a coalition.
“The Coalition of Health Professional’s Associations is also disconsolate about the salary discrepancy at QMMH and had a plan to attend to such. However, members and the public should note that the coalition is at this stage not part of the events and can only intervene if the responsible member – LNA – requests assistance.
“We wish the matter could be handled with absolute care and professionalism for the sake of all health professionals and Basotho at large,” they said.
The hospital this week also released a statement saying members of the nursing staff have been requested by their colleagues to append their signatures to a list, with the misconception that management has requested them to compile a list of staff who need a salary increase.
The hospital claimed that the list has subsequently been utilized to misinform the listed nursing staff, that they have been instructed to vacate premises.
“Please be advised that the ‘instruction to return to work’ is not applicate to members of staff who have been on duty as per their work schedules.”
