The Association of Medical Specialists has issued a statement to clarify that the recent increase in the Disturbance, Availability, and Transport (DAT) allowance is a partial correction of a disparity in transport-related allowances within the executive ranks of government officials and not a change in the pay structure. The association emphasizes that other health sector employees of various ranks should not panic.
The statement explains that the announcement, accompanied by a clear and detailed explanation of the allowance increase, illustrates that despite the existing disparity for many years, doctors did not resort to professional action that would have inconvenienced patients. The association expresses surprise that specialists, after negotiating and partially addressing the disparity, are now engaged in massive professional union actions.
The statement highlights that the increase in the DAT allowance is not a significant change in the overall pay structure but a step toward rectifying a long-standing discrepancy. It also points out that such strict professional measures were not taken when high transportation allowances were provided for non-medical executive ranks.
The clarification aims to reassure other health sector employees that the recent changes are specific to the DAT allowance and should not cause unnecessary concern among various ranks in the health sector.
The announcement is as follows:
