• Points out that some radiologists have been at the same post for 10 yrs.
• Argues that opportunities were given for appeals to be filed and heard

Following the Government Radiological Technologists’ Association (GRTA) warning of potential disruptions to essential radiology services in hospitals under the Western Provincial Council starting January next year due to its controversial transfer policy, the Western Province Health Services Department (PDHS) yesterday (23) defended its decision.

The PDHS did so by stating that the transfer policy was formulated following extensive stakeholder consultations to ensure equitable distribution of opportunities.

The GRTA claims the policy could affect critical services such as CT scans, X-rays, and intraoperative radiology examinations in nine hospitals and medical institutions that depend on radiologic technologists to maintain 24-hour diagnostic services.

However, a senior PDHS official, speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (23) in terms of anonymity, stressed that the policy was developed with input from all relevant stakeholders, including representatives of the trade unions now raising concerns. "We (provincial health authorities) spent many days discussing this transfer policy. Everyone’s insights were taken into account," the official said.

The senior official explained that the new transfers aim to ensure an equitable sharing of opportunities while also providing a comprehensive and independent appeal process prior to implementation. "Some officers have been working in the same place for 10-15 years. There are many others awaiting these opportunities, and they should be given a chance. If there were any concerns, everyone was given the opportunity to appeal. Initially, appeals were scrutinised at the departmental level. Subsequently, the provincial public service authorities independently reviewed them without any interference from the PDHS," the official added.

The PDHS official also stressed that no disruptions to healthcare services would arise from the transfers, as they were carried out in accordance with the transfer policy and after reviewing the existing vacancies.