G2K slams PNP spokesperson for 'vulgar' claims about Tufton

Generation 2000 (G2K) has slammed Opposition Spokesperson Nekeisha Burchell for a "vulgar" claim that Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton received special treatment at a hospital for injuries picked up Sunday.

The group is the young professional affiliate of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party. 

Dr Tufton was admitted to the University Hospital of the West Indies on Sunday after a bicycle he was riding and a motor car collided in St Andrew earlier in the day. 

Tufton has done surgery on a wrist and knee, his ministry said. 

Burchell, the People's National Party deputy general secretary and spokesperson on information, yesterday claimed that Tufton got special treatment by getting a bed at the hospital ahead of other waiting patients. 

Tufton was assessed based on the triage system used to assess all patients and Tufton was treated accordingly, G2K said in a statement Monday. It said Tufton's surgery was also delayed for several hours because other patients were given priority.” said G2K. 

"It is really unbecoming, disgraceful and vulgar of Burchell to attempt to exploit Minister Tufton's injuries for political mileage," said G2K President Shayne Kerr. 

“The fact is at least three high profile members of the PNP have interacted with the healthcare system recently and they were treated fairly and with decency by the Jamaica Labour Party, because we are of the view that a human being's health situation should not be exploited for political gain. We believe in decency," he added. 

Kerr says the Government has demonstrated its sensitivity to the need for more beds across the healthcare system and has made major investments to address the situation. 

Tufton said the incident involved dancehall entertainer Valiant. 

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