Deyalsingh failing on dengue

THE EDITOR: The nationwide mosquito invasion, threatening us with dengue and other diseases is a crisis that could have been averted with proactive public measures.

Government had a clear directive from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and could have adopted measures similar to those implemented by other Caricom nations.

As early as last September, CARPHA warned of an impending mosquito surge and advised regional countries to take action, such as community clean-ups and public education.

Many nations heeded this advice. In Jamaica, Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressed Parliament and announced a significant budget for sanitation and sensitisation campaigns. Local authorities were mobilised to clear garbage, debris-filled watercourses, and other mosquito breeding grounds. Other Caribbean nations followed suit and continuously monitored their progress.

In stark contrast, our health ministry responded only in May, amidst a full-blown crisis, by chastising the public and imposing a punitive $3,500 fine for harbouring mosquito breeding spots.

Unsurprisingly, hundreds have since contracted dengue, further straining our public health system. Minister Deyalsingh's excuse of "over-spraying" mosquitoes is irrelevant when clearly what we are facing is "under-spraying."

There have been no significant government-led efforts to eliminate mosquito habitats, and the education campaign is both tardy and tentative.

This failure is typical of the ministry under the leadership of Deyalsingh, who has stumbled from one medical crisis to another. Recently, the deaths of at least 11 babies in the neonatal unit of the Port of Spain General Hospital exposed the ministry's incompetence.

Poor care identified by the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) is a direct indictment of this minister.

Routine shortages of critical drugs and other emergencies continue to plague the system, widening the gap between the minister's promises and patient experiences. This is despite the commitment and hard work of public healthcare professionals.

The taxpayer-funded sector is increasingly paralysed by administrative inefficiency, lack of vision and bureaucratic inertia. The direct result is a harmful impact on people's health, exemplified by widespread dengue infections.

The lack of essential drugs and equipment, bed shortages and overall mismanagement have fuelled the growth of the private medical system, which many cannot afford. Patient testimonials paint a picture of a healthcare sector in intensive care.

And now the rampant dengue crisis, which is the latest indictment against Deyalsingh's leadership.

RUSHTON PARAY

MP, Mayaro