By Morgan Adderley
Tribune Staff Reporter
madderley@tribunemedia.net
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Philip "Brave" Davis made "provisions" for a morgue to be built on Cat Island during the last administration, PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell told The Tribune yesterday.
However, these plans were stopped when the Minnis administration came to power last May, Mr Mitchell claimed.
On Thursday, The Tribune reported that when anyone is declared dead on Cat Island they are stuffed into a body bag, placed in a bathtub and blanketed with ice to slow the process of decomposition because there is no working morgue.
According to Mr Mitchell, such an occurrence is a "regrettable one-off" that is being "exaggerated for political purposes."
A group of Ministry of Health officials, who fear retribution, spoke to The Tribune on the condition of anonymity regarding the horrors of Cat Island's medical facilities.
"Under the former government there was supposed to be the construction of a mini hospital, but apparently when the government changed it stopped," one official said.
"That new facility was also supposed to have a new morgue. So we have no place to store the dead people. That's the biggest concern."
"Cat Island's healthcare system is not a priority," the official added. "It saddens you especially considering the political atmosphere. I don't care which government comes in, the needs of this community and the state of medical care should be a priority."
In a statement, Mr Mitchell told The Tribune: "The situation with the morgue should be properly addressed to the FNM administration.
"There were provisions for a morgue in the construction in a new clinic which was begun under Mr Davis but was stopped by the (Free National Movement) when the FNM came to office.
"The construction on the clinic has not resumed and we do not know when it will be. If the clinic is completed as designed then a morgue will be part of it, if is built according to the PLP's original plan.
"In addition, arrangements I am advised have been made (through) local government to get a cooler as a morgue for temporary use in Cat Island."
Mr Mitchell added: "The issue reported about the use of a bathtub and ice appears to have been a regrettable one off, temporary situation which is being exaggerated for political purposes.
"Budgetary issues should also be referred to the present administration."
On Wednesday, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said he was unaware of the morgue situation. However, he said budget constraints contribute to the crisis public health facilities in the country face.
He added: "We have a $5m budget for public health and it costs $3.5m to run Abaco and Exuma's mini hospital. I have 98 other clinics that I have to run with the balance of the funds."
Comments
ConcernedBahamian 6 years, 1 month ago
2014/15 BUDGET COMMUNICATION
For Cat Island, Mr. Speaker
By this time next year, when liberalization is well underway and in reliance on the IT platforms that will be created, I see radiology being performed in the a Mini Hospital in The Bahamas, read and diagnosed by physicians in The Bahamas and at the University of Miami, decisions being made in Miami and The Bahamas about what treatment and where. So it will be possible for a patient in Cat Island to be diagnosed in Nassau or Miami and then decisions be made about treatment.
DEBATE ON THE ANNUAL BUDGET: FISCAL YEAR 2015/2016
For Cat Island, Mr. Speaker
At Orange Creek, the entire building, which now houses the clinic and nurse’s residence will be converted into clinic space. All of the interior walls of the section, which now houses the nurse, will be demolished to accommodate the addition of trauma, dental, examination, pharmacy/dispensary, treatment rooms, a doctor’s office, public waiting area, a staff lounge, restrooms, and small kitchen. A contract for demolition works is being negotiated, floor plans are nearing completion, the scope of works is being costed, and work will begin during this fiscal period. At Smith’s Bay, minor renovations are planned for the temporary health clinic on top of the hill so as to allow more storage space for records and supplies and facilitate electrical and air conditioning upgrades. The original health clinic is in poor physical condition. Work on this clinic will be complete 8 – 14 months from commencement. Contracts for demolition and construction are now being negotiated.
At Bain’s Town in South Cat Island, site elements and sketches for the clinic were obtained with a view to carrying out major internal and external repairs. The building spaces require redesigning. My Ministry continues to work with the Ministry of Health to finalise the plans. In the meanwhile a demolition contract is being negotiated to advance the project.
DEBATE ON THE ANNUAL BUDGET: FISCAL YEAR 2016/2017
For Cat Island, Mr. Speaker
Comprehensive infrastructural developments are afoot. We have constructed over 4,500 feet of seawall and carried out sand seal repair works to the roadway throughout the island and works are ongoing.
We are cooperating with the Ministry of Health to complete assessments of the health infrastructure for the island. Government has already approved the issuance of a contract to demolish the Clinic at Orange Creek and construct a new one and also for a new clinic at Old Bight.
The other clinic at Smith’s Bay has been targeted for upgrading and a contract will issue shortly. These upgrades also assist the process of Health System Strengthening in preparation for NHI.
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