80 Cubans interviewed as strike action looms

WITH doctors appearing to be engaging in strike action again, the Health Minister reported yesterday that at least 80 Cuban health care workers, including doctors and nurses, have been identified as suitable candidates for jobs in Trinidad and Tobago’s health sector.

Minister Colm Imbert yesterday said he was unaware of any strike action by the doctors. However,  several doctors at the San Fernando General Hospital called in sick. Acting Medical Chief of Staff at the San Fernando hospital, Dr Anand Chattergoon, told Sunday Newsday several doctors “on call” telephoned the institution saying they were sick and would not be able to work.  He declined to give details but said the hospital was operating in “emergency mode” and advised patients to seek treatment at the hospital only if it was an emergency.

Meantime the North West Regional Health Authority Chief Executive Officer, Dr Leonard Jaggassar, issued a release also advising patients that only emergency cases would be dealt with at the Paediatric and Adults hospitals at Mt Hope. The release said there was “inadequate medical coverage” at the Accident and Emergency departments at both institutions. Imbert told Sunday Newsday he was not aware if the doctors had embarked on “sick out” but if that was the case he would not intervene. He said only if the action was prolonged and the resources of the Ministry were needed would he get involved.