Social activists call for transparency, accountability in Public Health sector

A group of social activists and representatives of NonGovernmental Organizations, (NGOs) picketed the Ministry of Public Health on Brickdam Wednesday, with calls for a greater level of transparency and accountability in the health sector. The demonstration exercise was led by members of support groups such as Red Thread and others.

Speaking to the media, Red Thread representative, Susan Collymore noted that healthcare providers should be more accountable for their actions. “I am here in support of the parents of those young cancer patients, who were wrongfully medicated and for those mothers who lost their babies during birth or following the delivery, be cause of negligence of some the nurses and doctors at the public hospital.” Colllymore noted that support is key to help people who have experienced the trauma as a result of the actions of public health care providers.

“In most cases, these people are poor, afraid to speak up for themselves or do not have the means of pursuing the system and taking action.” Dan James, another picketer expressed similar views. He told the media that he has sympathy for people accessing public healthcare, since he too felt the brunt of the system.

“It is not easy when you don’t have the option of going to a private doctor or hospital. I think for starters; the staff could be a little more courteous when interfacing with the members of the public. Poor lives matter. We have to stand up for those people”

Meanwhile, other activists like Sherlina Nageer and Dennis Glasgow of Aspire Inc. called for the release of information as it relates to the death of three young children who were treated for cancer at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Local poet and advocate Renata Burnette also spoke to the injustice that persists because persons are unable to take any form of action against the system. “It seems as though there is no means to an end. This happens and you don’t have enough money to go up against the State, and issues are swept under the rug. (Kaieteur News)