The Junior Doctor’s Association of Sierra Leone (JUDASAL) have in a press release dated 13th April 2021 called for the immediate resignation of the Chief Medical Officer, Deputy Minister of Health 1 and the Permanent Secretary for allegedly assaulting one of its female member, Dr Catherine Jackson-Cole at the Connaught Hospital on the same date.
The Junior Doctors say their membership “does not feel safe and confident working with the authorities (Deputy Minister 1 of Health Anthony Sandi, Chief Medical Officer Reverend Dr Tity Samba and Permanent Secretary Morrie Momoh) who violate the fundamental human rights of its people.
In the Release signed by the President of JUDASAL, Dr Unisa Jalloh and Secretary General Joseph G. Conteh, the Medics say “With immediate effect, the junior doctors across the country will be laying down their tools until appropriate action is taken about the assault and the working environment-cleaning at Connaught hospital, water supply at PCMH hospital are improved.”
They maintained that despite the “deplorable conditions and filth at Connaught hospital and other facilities around the country, Doctors continued to work and serve the public with commitment,” expressing frustration that authorities that should mitigate the filth at the facilities, are adding salt to injury.
The Minister of Health Dr Austin Demby in another press release last night called for calm promising the Ministry’s full commitment towards “resolving a labour dispute and another incident involving staff of the Ministry.”
The release also encouraged the public and its staff to remain calm and continue their normal business as these “matters are fully investigated to a peaceful and amicable conclusion” and the public will be fully informed about the outcome.