The Opposition Leader has accused the government of ignoring unrest among nurses and the broader healthcare issues.
Penelope Beckles-Robinson criticizes statements made by Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe, who said on Friday there is not crisis, arguing that this does not reflect reality.
“Dr. Bodoe stood in Parliament and denied what unfolded on Friday. I have to wonder whether Dr. Bodoe actually reports to work at the Ministry’s Headquarters, as the nurses’ calls for him to appear from hiding went unanswered,” she said.
“The Health Minister is himself a medical doctor and should understand the grave impact of nurses’ absence from the nation’s hospitals. His bold-faced denial of reality shows that he either does not, or chooses not to, understand.”
The PNM Political Leader also questioned what she called the lack of engagement by key officials, including Dr Tim Goopeesingh.
“This Government is out of touch, out of excuses, and rapidly running out of time. Why hasn’t the Minister of Finance met with nurses? Can Dr. Gopeesingh even meet with nurses? And when will nurses see and feel the love from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar? Are they not deserving?”
Mrs Beckles-Robinson said that the Prime Minister’s response has been limited and she called for urgent dialogue and action to prevent further escalation.
