BMA Replies to GHA
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14 July, 2006 07:04
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GHA Management wants to break the analogue / parity link with our consultant colleagues. This link has existed since the Health Centre was established in 1974. When asked by the Opposition at the last House of Assembly, the Rt Hon Mr Britto, Minister for Health, confirmed that our salaries have always been analogued to mid Consultant grade. The BMA is requesting that this be maintained.
The Chief Minister has been misinformed by GHA Management, who has been economical with the truth with regard to our pay claim. Our claim is for a 16% base pay increase not 50% - with immediate effect and backdated. BMA GP representatives commenced negotiations with the GHA in 2003, so our claim has an element of retrospection. In addition we are claiming payment for after-hours work as well as seniority.
GP contacts at present make no provision for after hours work. GPs have continued to provide this as a gesture of goodwill despite receiving no renumeration.
The GHA wants to link any significant GP pay increase directly to making savings on the drug budget. This is totally unacceptable to the GP group both ethically and professionally. We cannot accept a situation where we have to 'starve' patients of drugs for our own financial gain.
Some Senior GHA Managers have come to Gibraltar on very lucrative short-term contracts which they have negotiated with Government (presumerably on better conditions than they would receive in the UK or elsewhere - otherwise they would not be here). We feel that these same individuals are trying to sell the BMA a deal, which is in no way comparable to our UK GP counterparts, or any other doctors employed by the GHA.
The GPs have a long term commitment to the people of Gibraltar. As we are the custodians of Primary Care we want to provide the highest quality of service. The BMA has no problem discussing any new working practices, which will improve Health Care for our patients. What we are requesting is a fair and ethical pay structure to attract and retain high calibre, fully trained and accredited GPs to Gibraltar.
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