First batch of UN doctors arrive

A total of 23 United Nations Volunteer (UNV) doctors are expected to be in TT by tomorrow. Fifteen of the 23 arrived yesterday as part of a contingent of 100 UNVs recruited to help alleviate the doctors’ shortage in the health sector.

The first batch comprises 17 General Practitioners, three paediatricians and one specialist in the areas of Ophthalmology, Obstetrics/Gyanecology and An-aesthesiology. Public Relations Officer with the Health Ministry Keith Sancho, who has been meeting the doctors at the airport, said the UNVs began arriving last Friday. He said the rest will be coming “over the next couple days.” Questioned about the Min-istry’s role in the orientation sessions for the foreign doctors, he said the Ministry “will be handling part of it.” While no additional details were forthcoming, Newsday subsequently learnt that the UNVs are being temporarily accommodated at Cascadia Hotel. United Nations Development Program-me (UNDP) will be handling their housing arrangements while they are in TT.

At the hotel, a group of six doctors who arrived last Sunday was seen in the lobby as they were about to return to their rooms. One doctor enquired if this reporter was a UNV. When told no, she  smiled but declined comment. She would be willing to speak “later.” This sentiment was expressed by another female doctor who said they would talk to the media when the other doctors have arrived. The lone male doctor with them said they did not want to be photographed. The doctors smiled as they walked toward the elevator. As part of the US$12 million agreement between the Health Ministry and UNDP, the doctors will have one week orientation before being assigned to health institutions. A Ministry of Health official said this will begin on Thursday. The UNVs will be hired on contract for up to three years, and receive a “modest monthly living allowance.”