Norton says Govt trying to rebuild Public Service

Doctors on pensionable system

− says Jagdeo’s public health crisis claim is irresponsible

Public Health Minister Dr George Norton has explained that government is currently trying to re-strengthen the public health sector; hence the move to recruit Cuban trained doctors under the pensionable system as opposed to a contractual arrangement.

He was at the time responding to recent claims by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo who said that this new policy could potentially lead to a countrywide ‘public health crisis’ if not addressed immediately.

The former President said during engagements with several young doctors returning from training in Cuba in was indicated that Government has been pushing an agenda to have these persons enrolled through the traditional pensionable public service.

This, Jagdeo noted, will serve as a disincentive and could very well see Guyana losing its trained healthcare delivery personnel in droves, should Government persist.

“This government now is demanding that people go on the pensionable establishment and not contract as was the choice before,” the Opposition Leader posited, while adding that this will result in most doctors losing out on contract gratuity and other benefits if placed on the pensionable system; thus becoming dissatisfied and developing the urge to leave.

“Why we want to chase people who we invested in?” Jagdeo questioned, and posited, “it will cause major dissatisfaction…It could lead to a reversal of what we had, that is more doctors in the system,” he stated at a press conference last Friday.

However, speaking with >>>Guyana Times<<< on Thursday, Dr Norton outlined that this new policy is aimed at rebuilding the public service.

“I can’t see how we will continue to have persons on contract if we are going to strengthen the public service and these students went on a public service ministry scholarship to come back and work in the public service,” he outlined.

He continued that the doctors should be “happy” about working in the public service and under a pensionable establishment since it gives them a security of tenure.

Dr Norton added too that employment under such a regime allows unexpected termination as opposed to being on contract, which gives employers the option of firing staff with one month’s notice or in lieu of one month’s pay.

Moreover, the Public Health Minister asserted that the doctors may have been ill-informed that being in a pensionable system does not guarantee any benefits: “I’m really sorry that persons think that these patriotic doctors coming back to serve their country would even consider running because they won’t get some gratuity. That to me is putting ideas in the heads of these young doctors.”

According to Dr Norton, the comments made by the Opposition Leader were irresponsible. He further remarked that the number of doctors does not reflect whether or not there is an efficient health system.

In fact what is needed is conscientious, committed healthcare workers rather than the numbers.

And further he noted that there needs to be a very efficient procurement system in place in order to have quality medication available in sufficient quantity as well as have delivery of healthcare with equity and universal health coverage available.

“I don’t certainly see our-self falling in any crisis other than that which we ourselves contribute to by not being as efficient as we can be, proactive as we can be, and giving the people of Guyana value for their money in the salary you give to them,” the minister posited.

Moreover, Dr Norton disregarded claims of job shortages for those returning specialised doctors, stating that his ministry is not aware of such a situation. He pointed out that while the state of the health sector is better than it was years ago, there will always be the need for more doctors and other medical practitioners.

In fact he stated that up to that morning, more doctors were recruited by the Public Health Ministry.