Health Minister Engages with Medical Union on Workforce Improvements

Khartoum: Federal Minister of Health Dr. Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim held a meeting with a delegation from the General Union of Medical and Health Professions, led by Secretary-General Mustafa Ahmed Mohamed Al-Nour and including members of the union's executive office. According to Sudan News Agency, the meeting was attended by Director-General of the General Directorate of Health Human Resources Dr. Amal Abdo. Discussions concentrated on recent efforts to enhance the service conditions for workers in the health sector. The minister emphasized that human resources and wage improvements are top priorities due to the urgent need for qualified personnel in health facilities and institutions. This requires strategies for recruitment, improved wages, and retention packages to address staffing shortages. He highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between the ministry and the union. The union has previously put forward demands for adjustments to various allowances for health-sector employees, including infec tion-risk, nature-of-work, and rural service allowances. The minister also pointed out the significance of leveraging the University of Health Sciences for training personnel in rural areas and extending health services to these communities. Secretary-General Mustafa Ahmed Mohamed Al-Nour advocated for a joint mechanism between the ministry and the union to ensure implementation, alongside regular meetings and a unified vision to benefit health-sector workers. He noted a prior union proposal to reopen remote health centers by employing personnel from the local communities. He also emphasized the role of media in highlighting progress, which aids in protecting workers' rights. Union Treasurer Dr. Al-Tijani Mohamed Hassan mentioned a prepared study on wage improvements, set to be submitted to the Federal Ministry of Health. He underscored the critical role of health workers in the sector and reconstruction efforts, particularly after conflicts interrupted many projects. The participants agreed on regular mee tings and enhanced cooperation to advance health-sector services. They also committed to developing a framework for retaining health personnel and increasing financial incentives, especially for those serving in rural areas.