No one should doubt the determination of the Grenada’s NDC Government to solve the country’s health problems. Over the last several months since taking office, the government has hired doctors, provided training in oncology and other specialist upgrading to nurses, and it’s negotiating for more health professionals and more modern equipment to be used at health facilities nationwide.
The many years of neglect of health services by the former NNP regime are scandalous and shameful. Yet some of the same people who presided over the neglect are still engaged in trying to abuse the system, and the people of Grenada, through fear-mongering and wanton politicking. They are also trying to hold the current government hostage by asking them to honour and implement a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Island Health Services. It’s a MOU that the family-run Island Health Services was not even able to properly ink with the NNP, even though one of the company’s operators ,Terry Forrester, was – and still is – an executive member of the New National Party.
Mr. Forrester is infamous for playing hard and fast with the truth. So skilled in the art that some have taken to calling him “Baghdad Bob,’’ after the well-known spokesman and prevaricator for former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Mr. Forrester hasn’t changed one iota since last July 8. He is still playing hard and fast with the truth and is still attempting to spin every issue to the advantage of the opposition New National Party, of which he is their Public Relations Officer.
This editorial strongly endorses the position taken by the Ministry of Health in the matter involving Island Health Services and the dialysis treatment which the centre had been offering. The Ministry, headed by Hon. Karl Hood and Senator Ann Peters, says it will not make dialysis a political issue. The Ministry, therefore, has decided to refrain from any further public comment on the issue until there is a resolution.
A statement issued by the Health Ministry last Friday said: “Our main concern is that persons who require dialysis receive the best care possible. Our focus is on providing care for patients that gives them hope.’’
The government has made it abundantly clear that it will discontinue the MOU with Island Health Services, which allows the centre to be the exclusive provider of dialysis services in Grenada. It is prepared to reimburse the operators of the facility for the work done on a government building on Grand Etang road in St. George’s. Among other things, Island Health Services is asking the NDC administration for a 99-year lease on the building. This is an unfathomable request.
The government’s position is quite clear and we fully endorse it. We believe it’s the mature and responsible position to take. As well, we applaud Health Minister Hood when he says: “I am not prepared to have a discussion on health services to our citizens be made into political issue. Health is much too important for this.’’
The views express are that of the NDC and not necessary of Spiceislander.com
