RUSIZI - Sharp divisions have emerged among medical staff at Gihundwe Hospital in Rusizi District, over salary disparities. In the ensuing wrangles some workers have threatened to lay down their tools. The doctors are supposed to receive Rwf 229,000 as monthly net salary, according to Ministry of Health salary scale, the workers said. ‘But those who are said to be given preferential treatment get Rwf 400,000, yet other lower level health workers receive much lower.’ The employees accuse the hospital director Theophile Dushime, of nepotism and favouritism in determining salary scales for staff. “Based on what is transpiring I can tell you that there is a lot of nepotism, favouritism and lack of fair treatment among medical practitioners at the hospital,” one staff said on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation. “I’m sure all this is caused by the director and the hospital management who pay doctors highly and leave other employees on their previous salary scales which is unfair.” Other medics complained of irregularities in recruiting staff, while another claimed that since January of this year seven employees have left their jobs over unfair treatment and wages. When contacted for a comment, Dr Dushime said there are no salary disparities at the hospital. He explained that doctors receive Rwf 400,000 after adding up their allowances and other incentives. “I can tell you that all those allegations are falsehoods which are baseless. As the hospital director I have no powers to determine salaries of employees,” he said. He added that they have previously discussed about this matter during their management committee meeting although it remains unresolved. Ends
