Rudolf Gaiseb
The Ministry of Health and Social Services allegedly promoted Tuberculosis (TB) health promoters (grade 15) to health assistants (grade 13), a reclassification on the government’s job grading system, but with no salary adjustments.
Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Lilani Brinkman last week told Parliament the ministry also agreed to a 5% salary increase last year and retroactive backpay to them, but none has been made.
Moreover, Brinkman fumed that despite working past 23h00 in the night with outreach teams, TB promoters in the country are excluded from pension contributions, medical aid, and overtime pay.
“Since 2007 the tireless dedication of thousands of TB field promoters has been a lifeline in Namibia’s fight against tuberculosis, yet they find themselves trapped in a cycle of annual contracts,” she said.
Brinkman further questioned the line minister, Esperence Luvindao, if the ministry is waiting for the day when tuberculosis is eradicated to dismiss the dedicated professionals, rather than recognising their essential role in managing and combating this persistent public health challenge.
TB promoters disseminate TB information, support patients, and trace defaulters, often working in high-risk environments to find missing cases.
Her concerns are also that these contracted workers whose salaries are paid from the ministry’s budget are denied the same benefits and overtime entitlements as permanent government-employed staff.
Brinkman highlighted that up to 3 TB workers contract the disease annually due to high occupational exposure and that occupational health and safety measures are needed.
Minister Luvindao is expected to respond to this issue in Parliament this week Thursday.