PUBLIC RELEASE

The management of Africmed wishes to reach out to the general public to shed light on the recent protest of some staff demanding for the resignation of some members of the Management Team etc.

As everyone may be aware, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented challenge for healthcare systems worldwide.

Also, Africmed is aware of the growing concern regarding individuals, who may work in jobs predisposing them to COVID 19 infection which may lead to significant financial consequences in the event of illness. Our staff are no exceptions to this increased risk and for this reason. Africmed management has been working hard to maximize available resources.

As such, the management met to strategize and developed a plan to ensure continued operations of the facility while upholding to maintain consistent supply of protective equipment for staff as well as other supplies to facilitate implementation of other COVID-19 prevention measures and guidelines. Africmed is fully aware of the financial implications on the company to maintain all the staff despite current reduced workload. In its quest to show compassion to staff during these trying times and financial challenges for individuals as well as business entities including Africmed, the management did its best to avoid laying of staff even though there were some whose contracts were due to expire or have expired. Mainly for this reason, the management made a collective decision to temporarily cut all staff salaries including the management by 25% for the next five (5) months (August to December 2020) and made the commitment to start to repay the 25% cut in January of 2021. After this collective decision was made, a memo to this effect was written and given to all staff soliciting their support, understanding and acceptance.

The deductions were effected on the August salaries as stated above and this sparked anger among some staff members. When management became aware of the aggressive reaction to this decision amongst some staff, message was communicated to all staff that the 25% that was deducted can be collected from the finance office with immediate effect. However, the disgruntled staff continued to mobilize and staged protest to make demands not related or relevant to the 25% cut.

The CEO had personally approached the disgruntled individuals and asked them to meet him in his office on the morning of the incident when he became aware of it, but they declined. The Head of Nursing similarly tried to engage them without success.
The management was baffled as to why Social media was involved; what was the motive?
Management is happy to continue engaging with all interested parties in finding optimal measures through dialogue, effective communication ,trust building etc but would not accept being dictated on who to employ or dismiss etc.
Africmed will continue to engage in restructuring exercise which includes amongst others optimizing number of personnel given the current Covid -19 situation.
All appropriate measures will be taken to improve staff safety , and will work with relevant bodies to ensure adequate availability of appropriate face masks, PPE , face shields etc.
Annual or biannual appraisals will continue, and salary increments etc. Will be done in line with the given financial situation on the ground. All entitled annual leave etc. Will proceed as normal, and no encashment allowed during current times.
Africmed will not hesitate to provide any staff any support of which we are capable of, and will continue to engage in dialogue to find ways of always improving our services.

JUST TO MENTION A FEW IMPORTANT POINTS

Africmed had readily Provided Loans and financial support to some staff in the past, and also currently for Home improvements, school fees, training in Dakar, overseas treatment etc.

Africmed have provided at least 10 pieces of Landed Properties all in the Kombo areas to some staff, and who are asked to pay over ten year period at D1000.00 per month! Some of these properties are costing over a D1000 000 each currently.

Africmed gives back to our Community; by providing Part and Full scholarships to young disadvantaged Gambians in Higher education. This can be confirmed through University Of The Gambia or Gambia College etc. This will continue as far as we have the means to do so.

As Africmed continues to champion provision of quality health care to our esteem clients and patients, we wish to assure the general public that Africmed is committed to the welfare of its staff and is doing everything necessary to maintain provision of high value care to all its clients and patients.

We encourage everyone to practice the COVID 19 prevention guidelines and to stay safe and well.

Africmed would not be making any future comments.

Thank You
Africmed Management