Chester Sambrano
The Ministry of Health noted what it called the inflammatory statements made by Wendell Eversley concerning Dr Avinash Sawh and the allegations of racial bias on the part of the Minister, Terrence Deyalsingh.
In a video post yesterday, Eversley referred to a medical intern who was dismissed after using a derogatory term and questioned why Dr Sawh has not been stripped of his licence.
However, In a media release today the Ministry clarified that medical interns fall under its purview and in the past incidents involving interns, the disciplinary process was initiated by the Ministry.
It added that after careful consideration of all the relevant facts and the terms of the Intern Agreement, the interns all had similar outcomes.
"Mr Eversley referenced only one intern," the Ministry said.
The Ministry said, in accordance with all the former interns’ rights to confidentiality, no details of these matters will be discussed in the public domain."
However, it said in relation to Dr Avinash Sawh, disciplinary matters concerning doctors in private practice fall under the remit of the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago and not the Ministry of Health.
"Therefore, any questions on the outcome of that inquiry should be put to the Medical Board.
In fact, when the matter arose, the Ministry of Health lodged its complaint with the Medical Board," it said.
The Ministry said, therefore, it is rather unfortunate that these facts were not checked by Mr Eversley prior to his "inflammatory remarks which the Ministry condemns, given its implications."