All talk and no action on EWMSC

Prominent cardiologist  Dr Rasheed Rahaman was yesterday critical of government’s continued neglect of the  Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC), which he said, is yet to be fully commissioned. “The government knows all we need, and I hope this is done soon to convert all the talk into a reality,” said Rahaman as he addressed medical professionals at the tenth annual Medical Update and Research conference held by the Trinidad and Tobago Medical Association.

He also lamented the lack of care for patients who suffer from heart and coronary diseases. “Our hospitals are not equipped for treating patients with heart and coronary diseases,” he said. Calling on government to correct this, the doctor said that with the exception of two of the country’s medical institutions, the nation’s hospitals are far from being equipped to deal with persons seeking medical attention in this regard. With the government addressing the escalating HIV/AIDS situation, Dr Rahaman said the same attention should be given to patients seeking heart and coronary attention.

Health Minister  John Rahael said government  plans to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS. “Anti-retroviral drugs are being obtained at a reduced cost. This medication has been offered free of charge since April, 2002, to all HIV positive persons,” said Rahael. The minister also told the medical professionals of the government’s plans to initiate a programme that will facilitate tissue transplants, corneal transplants and renal transplants as well. The programme according to the minister, will begin next year.

President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, George Maxwell Richards, urged members of the medical profession to thrive for excellence: “It is not by accident that your profession is described as an essential service. You are critically important to the development of the country, and this is why the government must put in place systems for proper health care to be available to all,” said President Richards. Touching on private and public health institutions, the president urged doctors to choose wisely where they render their services. “Private health care will always be available to those who can afford it, but good public health care should also be available to all,” he said.