Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer today (Wednesday, March 03, 2010) met with members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica led by their president and a representative of their affiliate union. The group requested a meeting with the Minister to discuss elements of the job reclassification report for the exercise being conducted across the public health sector.  

The reclassification report was circulated to all groups in early February. The concerns raised include the levels of posts available for pharmacists and payment for sessional work. Minister Spencer promised that he would take these and other concerns to the Ministry of Finance.  

“We had a very productive meeting and I will be speaking with my counterparts in the Ministry of Finance to address the issues that were raised. We are committed to ensuring that we have an exercise that is inclusive and so we encourage all groups involved to speak with us if they have any concerns about any aspect of the recommendations regarding the reclassification,” the Minister said.    

Meanwhile, the representatives also made valuable recommendations regarding the improvement of the delivery of pharmaceutical services in Jamaica. Minister Spencer assured the group that the recommendations would be taken into consideration.  The parties will be meeting again on Tuesday, March 9, 2010.      

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Contact: MOH, Public Relations Unit Tel: 967-1561