Health sector reforms approved

The government of Tahiti has approved new reforms to improve the status of non-permanent staff in the public sector, focusing on the health industry. The changes were passed with 52 votes and aim to address staffing shortages and instability in hospitals and clinics.

Reforms include extended contracts

The reforms extend certain contracts for non-permanent staff from three to five years and from eight to twelve years for specialists in high-demand areas. This is intended to retain skilled workers, especially in medicine, by reducing the frequency of recruitment and providing more job security.

Calls for better working conditions

The changes come as 71 young Polynesian doctors have called for improved conditions to return to work in Tahiti. At the same time, the CSTP-FO union has submitted a strike notice, challenging the reforms and highlighting concerns about the status of hospital workers.

Reforms aim to address staffing gaps

According to Pauline Niva from A Fano Ti'a, over 2,000 people work under a statutory status in the Territory, with about 1,700 in permanent roles. In the health sector, more than six out of ten medical positions are filled by contract workers. The reforms also include provisions for reimbursing moving costs for staff assigned to different parts of the archipelago.

Criticism over long-term contracts

Teave Chaumette, a critic of the reforms, warned that extending contracts for up to twelve years would not create the stability needed for the hospital system. She called for a focus on training young Polynesians and recruiting foreign specialists, rather than relying on extended contracts.

Concerns about recruitment challenges

Nicole Sanquer from Ahip pointed out that the last competition for public health positions attracted only 22 candidates for 57 open roles. She argued that extending contracts might not solve the lack of attractiveness in the sector and criticized the proposal to hire category D staff under contract for up to five years, which could undermine transparency.

Government acknowledges concerns

Vannina Crolas, the Minister of Public Service, acknowledged the criticisms but stressed the need to address delays in recruitment processes while maintaining service continuity. She noted budgetary limitations, as the 2.5 billion allocated for 300 agents would leave limited funds for the remaining 8,000 public service workers.

Reforms include new guarantees

The reforms introduce longer contracts, extended probation periods, better cost coverage, and regulated salaries for non-permanent staff. However, the requirement to notify employees two months before contract renewals has been removed. The list of affected professions will be determined by the Council of Ministers.