Why so many hospitals for two islands

THE EDITOR: I am once again constrained to draw attention to our propensity to take irrational and counterproductive approaches to national problems.

I have consistently indicated that there is always need to clearly identify the problem, the proposed solution and the methodology by which proposed solutions would be tested.

Respectfully, I refer to our programmes for hospitals nationwide. I submit that it would have been more cost effective to have one state-of-the-art modern hospital in Tobago along with effectively resourced wellness centers as opposed to two under-resourced ineffective hospitals in light of available information of a non-functional MRI machine and understaffed institutions over an extended period of time.

May I again respectfully suggest that the principle is equally applicable in Trinidad. We have hospitals in Port of Spain, Mt Hope, Arima, Sangre Grande, Chaguanas, Couva, San Fernando, Point Fortin and proposals for Cedros and Mayaro. These are all intended for two islands.

This is a highly irrational and unsustainable approach for our population size. The problem to be addressed is fewer and better resourced hospitals and more efficient communication.

SAMUEL B HOWARD

via e-mail