Cardiac disease is one of the top causes of mortality in this country. This could increase by 150 per cent by 2020 according to top heart researchers. At present, many of our citizens are suffering from this silent killer which dominates cancer, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases as the number one killer.
It is important for citizens to know if they have the risk factors and once they have the disease, the opportunity to get help is there, but the road to treatment is very expensive and an ordinary person may not be able to bear the financial burden.
Scrapping the only reliable means of cardiac surgery is not the way to go. Currently, our Caribbean Heart Care Medcorp is second to none in the western hemisphere. CEO Dr Rawal Rampersad, as well as lead cardiac surgeon Prof Giovanni Thedori, manage the team professionally and have had a zero mortality rate to date.
The main beneficiaries of this service are those citizens who contribute diligently through the payment of health surcharge and taxes. These are the people who will suffer the most by any hurried decision to disband, for without the aid of this programme, where would they turn?
The Ministry of Health, under Dr Fuad Khan, has in a short period of time, tremendously improved and we can see it pushing forward to a brighter future. However, if the minister's decision to disband Caribbean Heart Care is based on monetary factors alone, I believe he may be making a terrible mistake.
It is true that prudence is a formidable tool for our nation to be able to move forward but at what cost to the citizens? In dissolving Caribbean Heart Care the financial strain to the Government in their subsidies for each procedure would be lessened, but what of the patients? Would the Government be compromising good healthcare for dollars and cents?
Before making a decision as impacting as this one, I would suggest that all factors be taken into consideration: the financial, the expertise and the effect on the citizens. All avenues should be explored before taking any further steps.
Councillor Balliram Ramsuchit
St James East District