The Tribune

By SANCHESKA DORSETT

Tribune Staff Reporter

sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that “under no circumstance” will the government compromise on National Health Insurance despite objections from some doctors and several unions.

Mr Christie said for far too long this country and hospitals have given priority to “those who have money, while those who don’t fall through the cracks”.

The prime minister made his comments yesterday at the contract signing for major renovations for the Maternity and Male Surgical Wards as well as the Legacy Entrance at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).

The contract, valued at nearly $15m, was signed with a Texas-based company headed by a Bahamian architect and will begin the process of bringing PMH up to world standards, according to Mr Christie.

However, the prime minister did not say when the renovations will begin or when the work will be completed.

“As we continue to speak about NHI, and I have ministers who are dedicated to it, I decided I would chair the last meeting simply because as minister of finance I wanted to make absolutely sure we did not make a mistake and promise what we could not deliver or pay for,” Mr Christie said.

“I want you to understand there is no compromise on our commitment to healthcare because when I go to (the) Medical or Private Surgical Ward, I know what I am going to get. When I went to the hospital I had all the doctors necessary to treat me in place, giving me all the attention I needed, and when I went to see my friend Robert, who had a stroke, I asked whether he was having the same treatment I was having because money should not determine your care.

“There is no compromise when it comes to the fundamental notion that there must be equity in our country. That our country today still gives priority to those who can pay and too often we run the risk of those who cannot pay falling through cracks.

“So to all the unions and the persons who speak for the rights of workers, I appreciate all you do but when the calls come for equality in heath, be present. People are born in this country, many of them hostage to the circumstances to which they are born, the government cannot and will not compromise on what is right in these circumstances.”

The House of Assembly passed legislation for NHI in August, however it is unclear when the first phase of the plan for universal healthcare will be introduced.

Mr Christie also put doctors on notice that they no longer “have the right” to stop a woman in the process of delivering her baby from going into the private suites if the public ward is full.

He said this renovation to the Maternity Ward is just the first phase in the plan the government has for the unit and by next month the government will unveil plans for a two-story building dedicated to just women and children.

Mr Christie also said the Accident and Emergency Department is scheduled to be overhauled in the next phase of renovations.