Health Ministry blasts Dr Lue

THE MINISTRY of Health (MoH), saying it wants to set the record straight, yesterday issued a news release describing as "unfounded", statements made by Dr. Albert Lue, consultant ophthalmologist, about the new ophthalmology theatre at Kingston Public Hospital (KPH).

"Allegations by Dr Albert Lue ... that ophthalmology services at KPH have seen a setback because the unit is not given attention it deserves is to be regarded as "disingenuous and inaccurate," said the release.

On Wednesday, Dr. Lue turned a vote of thanks at the official opening of the unit into harsh criticism of the Ministry's response to requests for equipment for the theatre. In an impassioned speech, Dr. Lue agonised over the length of time it took to get the unit up and running, the severe shortage of staff, lack of equipment and his frustration over the deteriorating sight of patients due to the snail pace of the government.

The speech flabbergasted Health Minister John Junor (who refused to pose for photographs with the doctor after the function), officials from the Ministry and KPH.

Citing the speech as "in poor taste" for the occasion, the Ministry said it was "unbelievable that Dr. Lue would give the impression that he was not given the opportunity to purchase whatever (equipment) was needed."

The bulk of the $7.75 million contributed by the Jamaica Lottery Company's Health Support Trust Fund was spent on refurbishing the Ophthalmology Unit and purchasing equipment, the Ministry said.

"Through the Health Support Trust, Dr. Lue was given the opportunity to prepare a list of all the equipment needed to effectively provide ophthalmology services to its clients. He was provided airfare, accommodation and a blank cheque to travel overseas to purchase these equipment," the Ministry said.

The release added that about 18 months ago, "Dr. Lue was sent to the USA to purchase equipment for the unit, at a cost of approximately $3.5 million paid for by the Beacon Group, a USA-based group with an interest in health. "The unit also received equipment purchased under IDB funding to a cost of approximately $11.5 million," the statement said.

It acknowledged the doctor's concerns about staffing, which it noted was a real one, but one that was not limited to ophthalmology. The Ministry said, was actively seeking to address the problem.

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