Prov'l docs, nurses ready raps vs guv over P30M unpaid dues
Last-ditch efforts made over the weekend aimed at resolving the multi-million row of hundreds of doctors, nurses, medical and para-medical workers under the Iloilo Provincial Government's employ failed. As such, Governor Niel Tupas will face a multi-million suit all set to be filed by the Iloilo Health Workers Association (IHWA).
With demands unrealized and the governor unable to deliver some P30 million in hazard pay sought by the group, the IHWA in a report said, "was left with no recourse" and will make good of an earlier promise to charge Tupas. "Give what is due to us," the strong message went to the governor with IHWA setting a ten-day 'deadline' to have the "goods"delivered. The supposed deadline ended yesterday (Sunday).
Highly-placed Capitol sources confirmed to The News Today (TNT) of a meeting called by Governor Tupas with hospital chiefs last Saturday. Main agenda of the emergency meeting was for a signature campaign that would have taken the protesting health personnel off the governor's back.
The hospital chiefs present were requested not to push through with the IHWA charges against Tupas on the now controversial hazard pay. Among those confirmed to be present was Dr. Armando Dumdum, Barotac Nuevo District Hospital chief who came "upon instruction of Mayor Raul Tupas to mediate."
Mediation or the attempt to it at least, came "too late" said a Capitol source with the IHWA already all set with the legal battle. In fact, corresponding lawyer's acceptance fee has since been settled to have the case filed.
The issues raised by the doctors and other health workers focused on Capitol's failure to release the mandatory "hazard pay." What was reportedly dangled to them was the "cash gift" yet as one district hospital physician retorted, "we want the benefit due to us. How can they make it appear that the 'cash gift' is more than enough? And no money they say? That's a lot of foolishness."
To note, Governor Tupas in a last-minute request sought and got the approval of over P98 million in supplemental budget set to be fully spent in the remaining six weeks of the Capitol's operation for this year. The planned expenditures did not include the hazard pay of the complaining doctors and other provincial government health personnel.
And more 'money' issues too, TNT gathered particularly on yet another 'forgotten' Tupas promise on the use of the district hospital's "user's fee" generated from the Economic Enterprise scheme of the Capitol. Records showed of at least P48 million collected from laboratory, x-ray and room charges in various government hospitals throughout Iloilo.
A meeting called by the governor back in May reportedly got him to announce to members and officers of the Association of Medical Officers of the Province of Iloilo that the "user's fee" will be for the hospital's use. What happened now, a source lamented, was that P30 million was spent for heavy equipment.
"Where and what is their priority? We need to know," one doctor who requested anonymity said.