Don't pay for any services at Mt Hope Medical Sciences Complex health minister tells patients

The Minister of Health told reporters Monday all services at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex are free.
 
Therese Baptiste-Cornelis reiterated the point Monday when she handed instruments of appointment to members of the new board of the North West Regional Health Authority (NCRHA), which is responsible for the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, the Mount Hope Women's Hospital and the Caura Hospital.

Baptiste-Cornelis said she has received numerous reports from people who have said that doctors of hospital staff have asked for fees for certain services. She reiterated that no one should have to pay for anything at the hospital.

She pledged to crack down on any illegal activity and urged patients to lodge formal complaints if they are unhappy with the services. The minister denied that there is a shortage of equipment, which is causing delays and long waits for surgeries.

She also said government is considering new legislation that would give one RHA the authority to procure goods and services for all the institutions.

"This piece of legislation...will allow one RHA to procure on behalf of all five RHAs. It will achieve economies of scale, timely and cost effective procurement of goods and services, and provide guidelines for its collective procurement," she said.

Dr Ashvin Sharma, an orthodontist from San Fernando, is the chairman of the RHA. Other board members include retired Chief Medical Officer, Dr Rampersad Parasram, who received the Public Service medal of merit (Gold) this year for service in the field of medicine, Dr Sandra Sookram, Sharla Alexander, Marlene Skinner, Wayne Munroe, Ravindra Nanga, Anthony Davis and Dr Andrea Yearwood.