Struggle to resolve clash of maternity-leave dates
Play
Dr Suphan Srithamma, director-general of the Department of Medical Services, yesterday urged a Bangkok hospital at the centre of the controversy over a staff-pregnancy memo to find a way to let employees take maternity leave without a conflict in dates.
Suphan cited his recent discussion with Rajavithi Hospital director Udom Chaovarindr, who has said the memo stemmed from a misunderstanding. He said this case involved the hospital’s pharmaceutical division, where most staff were female. Applications for maternity leave, when several were submitted at the same time, were leading to staff shortages. To solve this, he had suggested the division management find a way for pregnant staff to take maternity leave in turn to ensure no work conflict.
Udom yesterday confirmed the memo had been revoked and the division head had been warned. He said the hospital was willing to listen to public ideas and if any agency wanted an explanation, it would be provided.
