STATE mid-level doctors hope to reach an agreement with the Department of Health on salary increases this week. The two parties will reconvene on today to continue the second round of negotiations of the state's occupation-specific dispensation (OSD) programme, according to Mark Sonderup, vice-chairman of the South African Medical Association (Sama). Since last Monday, Sama representatives and department officials have been in discussions over the department's offer to increase wages by between one and three percent for mid-level doctors, such as junior and senior specialists and clinical managers. However, many state doctors are unhappy with the offer, and Sonderup said little progress had been made since the new round of negotiations began last week. Wage increases under last year's OSD settlement benefited primarily the most junior and most senior medical officials. The second round of negotiations is expected to focus on salaries for mid-level doctors.

Nathalie Tadena: The Star, 25 May 2010