News Source Guyana Reports | Following Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamala Persad-Bissessar’s indication that her country is in negotiations to supply doctors to Guyana, Opposition Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul is calling for answers from the Guyanese government regarding the arrangements.
In an interview with News Source, MP Mahipaul revealed that he will submit a list of questions to the National Assembly, seeking clarity from Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony about the plan to hire Trinidadian doctors for the local public healthcare sector.
Mahipaul seeks specific information regarding:
- The medical specializations of the doctors
- The total number of doctors to be hired
- The contract duration for their employment
- Expected salaries, allowances, and benefits
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar recently noted that at least 50 doctors are expected to start working in Guyana as part of this initial arrangement. Mahipaul emphasized that transparency is crucial and the government must provide detailed answers.
“I am asking these questions because, based on the oath I took, it is my duty to protect the people’s money, defend the integrity of local professionals, and guarantee transparency,” Mahipaul stated. “The country deserves this information because the decisions being made will affect national spending, public healthcare, and the lives of every Guyanese citizen.”
In the interest of transparency, he also urged the government to disclose the associated costs for hiring the Trinidadian doctors, including expenses for housing, transportation, insurance, and relocation support, stressing that taxpayers should be made aware of these costs.
“Local doctors, nurses, and medical graduates have a right to know whether they were bypassed, ignored, or undervalued,” he remarked. “The Opposition must advocate on their behalf. Local medical professionals need to know if foreign recruitment will limit their job opportunities, promotions, training, or career growth.”
Additionally, Mahipaul is requesting information about the placement of the Trinidadian doctors and the criteria used for their selection.
He concluded by asserting that the people of Guyana are entitled to full transparency on this matter, particularly given the financial, professional, and societal ramifications involved. “Transparency must be the foundation of any decision involving foreign recruitment within our healthcare sector,” he emphasized.
