The original article can be found in: Antigua Observer By Theresa Gordon
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Health Minister Willmoth Daniel believes government should partner with an established entity to take over operations at Mount St John’s Medical Centre (MSJMC).
Daniel said strategic mechanisms should be put in place to oversee the functions of the medical facility, especially to address its financial woes.
“As minister, I believe that we should seek a partner who is established not only in Antigua, but the world to partner with us because it is a new institution and we need all the assistance we can get,” Daniel said in an exclusive interview with OBSERVER media.
MSJMC is encountering a laundry list of problems, which stem mostly from inadequate finances.
This has hampered its functions and resulted in the late payment of salaries and a cut back in the services offered to out-patients.
Earlier this week, Communications & Marketing Manager Salma Crump said the absence of payments from government to the hospital was hampering its operations.
Crump told OBSERVER media government and the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS), by agreement, should pay millions to the hospital on a monthly basis, but they fall short of their obligation.
The health minister said he was unaware of the problems facing the medical hospital.
He said, to the best of his knowledge, it was not brought to the ministry’s attention.
Daniel said however, he will be making a presentation to the Cabinet of Antigua & Barbuda on the behalf of the hospital.
“Now that I am hearing, I will intercede on the behalf of Mount St John’s to the Cabinet and let them know exactly what is happening because this does not say well for an institution providing health services,” the minister said.
