MPATT hits plan to bring Cuban specialists

The Medical Professionals Association of TT (MPATT) yesterday said the Health Ministry’s plan to bring Cuban specialist doctors is a “disconcerting continuation of a policy that should be stopped.” Dr Lakhan Roop, acting MPATT president, told Newsday the Ministry and Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) did not advertise the vacancies for specialist doctors and deprived nationals at home and abroad of the opportunity to serve. Roop also criticised the Ministry and RHA’s handling of employing doctors.

He said “no significant effort” has been made in the past ten years to change the staffing schedule of major hospitals to include the increased need for services. Roop said the RHAs have failed to keep up with the increase in population and increased demand for service. Roop said the RHAs have failed to put a long-term plan in place to hire doctors on a permanent basis.