Medical lab scientists demand action over unpaid overtime
Workers say they’ve gone without compensation since May, despite Government claims the issue is resolved.
Thursday 02 October 2025 | 23:00
Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu outside Parliament on October 2, 2025.
Photo: Ronald Kumar
Medical laboratory scientists across Fiji are calling on the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to address unpaid overtime, saying they have not received compensation since May 2025, despite Government saying the issue has been resolved.
The dispute comes at a time when Fiji’s public health system is under pressure, with many rural and sub-divisional hospitals relying on a handful of laboratory scientists to process tests critical for patient care.
With staff shortages already straining services, the suspension of overtime payments since May has left frontline workers feeling overworked, undervalued, and ignored by the authorities.
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Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratory Scientists (FIMLS) president Jignesh Sharma says the issue has left staff under immense pressure, with some working continuous seven-day shifts without pay.
“Our members are being compelled into continuous seven-day shift work without due remuneration,” Mr Sharma said.
The issue was raised formally with the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, as well as the Assistant Minister and the permanent secretary, but staff say no solution has been provided.
“In some sub-divisional laboratories, only one or two officers are left to keep services running for an entire community. How can these officers possibly take time off without affecting patient care?” Mr Sharma asked.
In Parliament on Monday, Opposition Member of Parliament Rinesh Sharma questioned Dr Lalabalavu about the status of their pay. In response, Mr Lalabalavu said that overtime had been paid.
‘Overtime is being paid, and if it’s not being paid, they can be brought to my attention’ he said.
Assistant Minister for Health, Penioni Ravunawa, declined to comment.
FIMLS also challenged the Minister’s recent statement in Parliament regarding overtime being paid.
“It is factually incorrect,” Mr Sharma said.
“We will not remain silent when the facts are being misrepresented, and our members are being overlooked. Immediate action must be taken”.
