Gov't rejects claims of graveyard shift reduction, says payments remain unchanged

The Health Ministry has denied reports that the night-duty allowance for technical staff, including doctors, nurses and laboratory technicians, has been reduced, stating that no changes have been made to any allowances.

Under the pay framework introduced by the Finance Ministry following the May 2023 health-sector salary revision, staff working night shifts are entitled to MVR 100 for duty between 12:00 am and 6:00 am. Recent claims suggested that the allowance had been reduced after changes made to the framework in August.

Speaking to Sun, the Health Ministry said no allowance has been reduced, and that the latest change was to begin paying the allowance to employees who previously did not receive it. The ministry said confusion arose after Hulhumale' Hospital issued a notice indicating a reduced allowance, which it described as a mistake.

The ministry added that the allowance continues unchanged and that any staff who did not previously receive it are now being paid accordingly.