250 autopsies must be done per year

This in response to complaints from former Medical Professionals Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MPATT) president Dr Chunilal Ramjit, who said the workload was too heavy and played a major role in his decision to resign from MPATT.

Tendering his resignation on Monday, Ramjit complained that the quota outlined in his work contract, was “unreasonable.”

As a result, he refused the SWRHA’s offer of senior medical officer in the San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH) pathology department.

Dr Ramjit said the terms and conditions offered in the contract was “too high” and may result in pathologist making errors with the results of tests.

But Friday, SWRHA officials stated that it would not revise the contract to lessen the workload.

The authority held a meeting on Thursday and discussed Ramjit’s concerns. SWRHA communication adviser Nalini Parasram told Sunday Newsday: “Negotiations between SWRHA and Dr Ramjit have been completed and there would be no change to the contract.”

“The job offer made to Dr Ramjit was done within the guidelines of the Royal College of Pathology.”

She added that when SWRHA entered into discussion with Ramjit, regarding his re-appointment as pathology head, he was offered a two-year contract which outlined his job description and the expected performance standards.

On Tuesday, MPATT discussed the issue and called on the SWRHA to withdraw the contract. Parasram said the SWRHA has no issue with MPATT, but the authority would respond appropriately.

Contacted Friday, ag president of MPATT Dr Rajendra Persad, said: “In Trinidad, where a consultant is hired to work for 28 hours per week, the numbers have to be adjusted accordingly. If SWRHA has chosen to abide by international guidelines, then all other international standards including salaries must also be observed.”