Bagbin under fire for pharmacists, nurses comparisons

The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission has described as unfortunate comments by Health Minister Alban Bagbin that Government Hospital Pharmacists deserve better than their current grade placement by the Commission.

Hon. Bagbin told XYZ News that the pharmacists have been placed at level 18 with the nurses adding that the pharmacists deserve better.

“The pharmacists believe that if those evaluated positions are properly considered, they should be given grade 19 and not 18 which is a little above the grading of the Nurses and others.

“So I think that they have a good case and I will continue to support and lead them to make sure that they get their fair share” Hon. Bagbin said.

But Director of Grievance and Negotiations at the Commission says the Minister’s comments have the potency of fomenting more trouble.

Mr. Cornelius Yawson said there are competent bodies mandated to address the issue.

“I don’t want to be involved in that debate whether a pharmacist is better than a nurse or not. It is better that we don’t say these things in public so that is simplifies the issue”.

The Commission and the Pharmacists are expected to appear before the Labour Commission on Monday on the issue.