The Union Haddiema Maghqudin Health Services Sector has registered an industrial dispute with the Health Division after it did not submit its counter proposals on working conditions of Government pharmacists.

The union said it presented its proposals to the division nine months ago. These aimed at immediately addressing the lack of pharmacists as the division has had difficulties in filling the vacancies which had cropped up due to the number of pharmacists resigning. This lack of staff, said the union, exposes workers to undue pressure and stress .

Due to the division’s lack of response, UHM ordered pharmacists to work on a work-to-rule basis, refrain from answering the phone and not to participate in new services.

Industrial action will continue until the Health Division presents its counter proposals, said the union.