Healthcare system in need of overhaul

THE EDITOR: Is anything being done by the Government to ensure delivery of first class healthcare to citizens? Too many people are suffering and too many innocent children are dying due to the lack of proper healthcare. It is archaic to say the least.

A newspaper report states, “The family of a La Romaine woman, who died three days after she gave birth to a healthy baby girl at the San Fernando General Hospital, is blaming negligence for her death. The family of Maquader Martin, 26, also believes the hospital is trying to cover up the incident because the post-mortem was done on Sunday in the absence of any family member.”

It is abundantly clear from this and many other allegations that our country’s healthcare system needs a complete overhaul. The Government has a responsibility to protect and advance the interests of society which include the delivery of high-quality healthcare and first class customer service. The private sector by itself cannot ensure all of us access to top quality healthcare.

The ultimate goal of achieving high-quality care will require strong partnerships between local government and the private sector. Translating general principles regarding the appropriate role of government into specific actions for the benefit of all within a rapidly changing world and health system will require strong, committed and combined efforts of both the public and private sectors.

SIMON WRIGHT, Chaguanas