RHA system a mistake

The Editor: Fate at times gives us an opportunity to correct some of the mistakes we commit in this human existence. Such was the case with the UNC regime imposed on this nation by former President Arthur NR Robinson following the 17-17-2 divide in 1995 when he held the two crucial tie-breaker Tobago seats as the leader of the NAR.  He later went on to become minister extraordinaire and then President of the Republic; allegedly brokered as part of the settlement in return for his support of Panday as prime minister.

Ironically another election stalemate (18-18) was to fall in his lap as president in 2001, once more thrusting him into the role of tie breaker.  The rest is history.  The PNM is now in a similar position to correct a great wrong which it inflicted on this country during its 1991-1995 term of office.  Former Public Administration minister and mostly absent MP Gordon Draper imposed the RHA system on this country on the basis that it would improve our health care system and provide better decentralised care for our citizens.

By now this has proven to not be so. The RHA system has proven to be one of the worst institutions ever introduced to this country and perhaps second to Caroni 1975 Ltd in terms of draining the treasury. Some people are before the courts facing fraud charges, doctors are being paid exorbitant thousands of dollars to provide care for the citizens yet they are striking illegally at the drop of a hat. They are able to do private practice, during working hours ,while being paid to work for the state; now the state is paying private clinics owned by some of these very doctors to care for patients affected by their illegal strike action. In addition, some doctors under the guise of forming a trade union have opened a UNC party group aimed at bringing down the ruling party. This nonsense must be brought to an end, and quickly.

Fate has given the PNM the opportunity to correct this great mistake  imposed on this nation by Gordon Draper. It is time to admit that the RHA system has failed as it had in other countries; abandon and scrap it now. There is no reason to continue, as to do so will only guarantee  further suffering on the nation’s citizens seeking proper health care. Stand tall PNM and admit that you made a mistake with the RHA system, act now and bring   this grand folly to an end.

Mc  Donald James
Couva