The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority (KHMHA) has expressed support for an ex gratia payment to staff members employed between 2001, when KHMHA was formally established, and 2017, the year the hospital’s Provident Fund was created.
According to the KHMH, the proposed ex gratia payments, as outlined in a letter to the union dated June 20, 2025, aim to recognise the years of service by eligible staff prior to the creation of the fund. According to the proposal, payments will be made upon retirement, resignation, or release from service.
“This payment is in addition to other benefits every staff member accrues during the referenced period of employment and includes severance, social security benefits, vacation days, and provident fund benefits,” the KHMH said.
KHMHA also highlighted the comprehensive package of incentives currently available to staff, which includes hospital service discounts, free medical care, access to the staff and family clinic, group health insurance, study leave, meals, night transportation, various allowances, and concessionary staff loans.
While the union had requested a pension scheme, the Authority explained that such benefits are reserved for public officers covered under the Pensions Act and paid by the Government of Belize. Employees directly hired by KHMHA do not qualify under this system.
KHMHAWU has been fighting to have its member pensionable.