The ministry is setting aside a special budget of NT$4 billion (US$127.8 million) for monetary incentives for those working night shifts, he said. If a nurse works 21 days a month, those willing to work night and graveyard shifts would receive an additional NT$6,400 to NT$21,000 per month, the ministry said. However, it is regrettable that the government has ignored the top four demands of the association and the medical industry — that all medical personnel across all shifts should receive cash awards, to prioritize personnel at medical facilities for cash awards and for hospitals to receive the cash awards and pay them to medical personnel, the association said. It said it was concerned the policy would create more inequality in shift rotations and encourage medical personnel to work for higher-level medical facilities. The ministry separates medical facilities into four categories — medical centers, regional hospitals, local hospitals and clinics.

Source: Taipei Times January 27, 2024 03:33 UTC