Rahael: CDAP for all from Nov 1

HEALTH MINISTER John Rahael gave the assurance that from November 1, “persons of all ages who suffer from chronic diseases (listed under the Chronic Disease Assistance Programme-CDAP)” will be able to access free medication for their ailments from CDAP. Addressing the opening of UWI Medical Sciences Faculty’s Second Biennial Conference and Workshop at the Hilton Trinidad on Monday, Rahael assured the gathering that Prime Minister Patrick Manning’s commitment in the 2004/2005 Budget that there would be universal access to CDAP from next month was no idle boast. “I am happy to announce that on November 1, which is swiftly approaching, this programme will expand to include persons of all ages who suffer from the chronic diseases to which I have just referred,” he declared. On Sunday, the minister said he was baffled as to why pharmacists at the nation’s public hospitals were using CDAP as an excuse to withhold their services to the public.

The pharmacists have claimed that CDAP would make their jobs redundant, but Rahael said many of these pharmacists have informed him that they have jobs in public and private pharmacies. Rahael said there were no plans to remove pharmacies from public hospitals or privatise the ones in those facilities. The minister disclosed that contracts will soon be awarded for two renal dialysis centres (one each in North and South Trinidad) which could each care for 400 patients and Government will launch a comprehensive tissue transplant programme in 2005. Rahael also said, “Plans for a new cardiac lab to carry out angiograms and angioplasties are in the making. We are also in the process of setting up similar laboratories to expedite vascular interventions.” The minister added, “I am cognisant of the fact that there are several limitations in our health care system. Nevertheless, I can assure you that the Government is working assiduously at improving the health status of our people and augmenting the delivery of health services to the nation.”