PRIME MINISTER Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Government will not be terminating the contracts of Cuban doctors and nurses who were recruited under the previous PNM administration to fill vacancies in the health sector until those positions could be filled by qualified nationals.
She made the point while giving the assurance that there was no health crisis in the country, following the suspension of five doctors and four nurses at the San Fernando General Hospital (SGFH) in the wake of the death of Chrystal Ramsoomair at the institution on March 4.
On Monday, Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley claimed Government will not be renewing the contracts of Cuban doctors and nurses when their contracts expire in August and December respectively.
“Until the Government can tell us that we are in a position to fill all the positions with nationals, they must also tell us how they will treat with the vacancies that they will exacerbate when they do not renew the contracts of the Cuban support staff that we have working here,” Rowley said.
Speaking with reporters after addressing the opening of an EMA business forum at the Hilton Trinidad on Wednesday, Persad-Bissessar said, “No. No such decision (not to renew the contracts of Cuban doctors and nurses) has been taken by the Cabinet.” Asked whether she felt there was a health crisis in the country in the wake of the suspension of medical personnel at SFGH, Persad-Bissessar replied, “There are several concerns with respect to the health sector. It is a matter that is ongoing. We will do what we can to bring to an end whatever impasse there may be.”
