ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, Aug 24, CMC – The main opposition New National Party (NNP) Monday called on the Grenada government to address “growing public concern” about reports of tuberculosis (TB) on the island and provide clear, transparent information on the measures being taken to protect patients, healthcare workers, first responders and the wider public.
The NNP said that amidst questions and claims circulating publicly, it will not speculate on individual cases, but “when concerns involve public safety and public health, the Ministry of Health has a responsibility to provide the facts quickly, clearly and transparently.
“Grenadians should not have to depend on social media chatter for answers about a matter as important as public safety and public health,” said Dr. Myanna Charles, public health specialist and NNP spokesperson on health.
“The Ministry should provide the country with clear information about how these situations are being managed, what safeguards are in place to protect the public, and whether our healthcare workers and first responders have the training and equipment they need.”
The NNP said it is therefore asking the Ministry of Health to answer four questions relating to the matter, namely what measures are currently in place to protect patients, healthcare workers and the public when managing TB cases, what safeguards are in place if a person who may be infectious leaves care or cannot be located, are police officers and other first responders properly trained and equipped if they are required to assist and have recent concerns or previous incidents led to a review of these arrangements, and have any problems identified been corrected?”
The NNP said that its statement is not about blaming or stigmatising patients, nor is it an attack on the nurses, doctors, police officers or other frontline health workers.
It said patients deserve proper care, dignity and privacy and that the public deserves accurate and timely information.
“The responsibility rests with the leadership of the Ministry of Health to ensure that Grenadians are protected, that appropriate safeguards are in place and that the public can have confidence in the management of potential health risks.
“The NNP therefore calls on the Minister of Health to address the country, provide the facts and demonstrate clearly what is being done to protect both patients and the public. On matters of public safety and public health, silence creates uncertainty. Transparency builds confidence,” the party said.
