PNP call on Jamaican govt to release health reports
Published:Wednesday | February 4, 2009 | 1:12 PM
Opposition spokesman on Health Dr. Fenton Ferguson is raising concerns that the health ministry is yet to release the findings of the Regional Health Report.
The report was submitted to Health Minister, Rudyard Spencer in February last year.
Dr. Ferguson says he’s deeply concerned that its yet to be tabled in Parliament, even though Mr. Spencer has had it for almost a year now.
Dr. Ferguson, who says he has a confidential copy of the report, believes its critical that the findings be made public.
Although not revealing the details of the report, Dr. Ferguson says there are some positive recommendations outlined in the document.
He is also questioning why a report on the conduct of Consultant Vascular and Thoracic Surgeon at the National Chest Hospital, Dr. Dennis Pyne has not been disclosed.
The ministry had launched an investigation into the operations at the National Chest Hospital after it was revealed that the surgeon had been charging patients for medical services despite the introduction of the free healthcare system.
Dr. Pyne was sent on leave on July 14 last year.
Following the revelations, the health ministry said it would be reviewing Dr. Pyne’s contract at the hospital.
When the Gleaner/Power106FM news team contacted the health ministry they were told that the health minister will release the findings of the investigations at a press conference later this week.