92 Cuba trained Guyanese doctors jobless

…Govt unaware of situation – Dr Norton

By Alexis Rodney

Two months after they graduated from the Guyana-Cuba Medical Scholarship programme, some 92 doctors are unsure of how soon they would be given the go ahead to begin practising in Guyana.

In fact, while they have already passed through orientation and underwent the required three-day Advances in Labour and Risk Management (ALARM) programme, they are yet to receive any information from their employer – the Government of Guyana (GoG) on the way forward.

On Tuesday, a number of the newly-trained doctors complained bitterly to Guyana Times International about the unclear future they were now facing. “We are being given the royal run-around by the authorities,” one doctor who wished not to be named told Guyana Times International on Tuesday.

The doctors, who are all scattered across the country, graduated at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre in August. After taking the Hippocratic Oath, they were assured by Government, which was represented by Health Minister, Dr George Norton and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, that the Government was “committed and resolved to providing opportunities, facilities and services equally, to our citizens on the coastlands as well as in the hinterland”.

Some two months after, however, according to the students neither the Health Ministry nor the Public Service Ministry (PSM) can give them any assurances.

After completing their six years in Cuba, upon their return to Guyana, the students were required to complete a one-year stint at hospitals across the country. During that time, they were being paid a stipend. However, according to them, the last time they were paid was in August of this year. At that time the PSM, which was responsible for them during the one-year period, related that they were being placed into the hands of the Health Ministry.

“Many of us have families. Some have children, some have spouses. It is not fair that some of us still have to depend on our parents…grown people depending on our parents, after they supported us for six long years,” another doctor said.

Astonishing

According to the doctors, the issue before them is their signing of a contract, which will in essence seal their commitment to the Government and the people of Guyana.

The doctors explained that if they did not sign a contract, they cannot just simply show up at any medical institution to work. “It would be illegal,” they say.

The situation has reportedly caused a number of doctors to seek alternate sources of income.

“We don’t have money, what’s there left to do?” another questioned

Speaking to Guyana Times International, Dr Norton said he was taken aback by the revelation, since it was the first time he was hearing about the issue. He said more than likely, that issue would fall under the purview of the PSM.

Efforts to contact the PSM and new Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Morris Edwards have all proven futile.