ST GEORGE’S, GRENADA – May 13th 2011: Former Minister for Health Hon. Clarice Modeste-Curwen says she expects to see some urgent action from the Government; following the march for better health services, organized by the New National Party. According to the former Minister, “among the many problems plaguing health facilities around the country, is lack of medication and other essential supplies including oxygen, low morale of workers and the rising cost of services”. She went on to say, that the opposition has been reliably informed that many surgical procedures on critically ill patients at the general hospital had to be postponed as oxygen supplies remain low.
In spite of Government’s complain that the current economic situation facing the country has reduced its ability to purchase basic medical supplies; the Opposition believes that the problem is not lack of finance but the Government’s refusal to prioritize its spending. The Government since assuming office in July 2008 has significantly increased its spending on overseas travel in some cases surpassing the budgeted amount by over 100%. It is interesting to note that Government has significantly increased its payroll giving jobs to the ‘big boys’ of the party, while refusing to fill critical vacant positions in health such as a dietician and a radiologist.
Modeste-Curwen said “at a time when cost of living and unemployment has risen so drastically, it is difficult to understand how Government can continue to increase hospital fees, cost of medication and other services.” She went on to say that as a medical practitioner herself, she is extremely concerned about the low moral affecting the workers at the hospital; from doctors downwards. She explained that many doctors and nurses find themselves in situations where they are helpless; not having the necessary resources and tools to perform their jobs in an efficient manner, on a day to day basis.
According to Modeste-Curwin, “what is most troubling is that members of the current administration are quick to defend their position on health issues and are even bold-face enough to openly deny many of the reports coming from ordinary Grenadians, as well as hospital staff, who are being traumatized by the conditions at our local health facilities”. According to Modeste-Curwin, it is well known that members of Government travel overseas to seek medical attention for themselves and their loved ones, yet they are contending that things are ‘not so bad’ at the General Hospital. Can it be said then, that only the fittest will survive? Will the majority of us, who cannot afford the luxury of overseas travel for medical attention, be left to perish?
The Opposition therefore calls on Government, on behalf of the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique, to shift its priority immediately and place more focus on the health of the nation; since we are only spinning-top-in-mud if our health system continues to deteriorate at the pace at which it is going. Our nation’s health is our nation’s wealth.
