LEADER of Opposition, Matthew Wale, has slammed plans by the Government to restrict local nurses from seeking job opportunities overseas.
The Opposition Office is aware that nurses are planning a mass departure to work at Aged Care Centres in Australia with offers also in Vanuatu.
Mr Wale said the Government through the Health Ministry and Medical Services (MHMS) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) do not have the right to impede on nurses’ individual right to seek jobs abroad.
The Opposition Leader said the Government’s reaction is not surprising, given the current draconian style of governance administered by the DCGA with a leadership style rule with an iron-fist.
“That is exactly the type of Government DCGA is. Trying to impede on citizens right and to continue to treat public servants like slaves. What does the Government expect when they continue to treat public servants unfairly,” he said.
Mr Wale said the way forward in addressing this issue is by reinstating the Solomon Islands Nurses Association (SINA) and to dialogue with them to see how best the Government can respond to their pleas.
“A mass departure or any mass resignation will be a major brain drain for our health care system. Therefore, the Government should deal with this issue carefully rather than trying to discourage opportunities that will provide greener pastures for the nurses and their families,” he said.
The Opposition Leader said DCGA lacks the wisdom and policy to address this issue.