Fill eye clinic vacancy

It is without doubt you are charged with the most challenging portfolio for, as the adage goes, “your health is your wealth”. The fact that the Prime Minister has demonstrated his confidence in your stewardship so far speaks volumes.

However, much work is still required to upgrade the system and it is in this regard I address you.

The eye clinic at the San Fernando General Hospital is extremely large. Patients are very simple people of modest means who require various forms of optical interventions.

One such surgical procedure was performed by a Dr Valasquez who has since returned to her homeland.

Her departure has created not only an important vacancy but anxiety, concern and even financial stress to certain individuals.

That particular surgery can be obtained privately for between $30,000 and $40,000.

How many of us can afford that? I am now making a public appeal to you to expedite the filling of that vacancy so that the burden can be eased on the deserving patients.

I am certain I speak for the entire hard working, dedicated staff at the eye clinic. In the midst of adversity they continue to labour on.

They are true professionals, each and every one. They all, we all, need that specialist surgeon.

The ball is now in your court, Mr Minister.

SAHADEO RAGOONANAN via