In light of the recent dubious activity coming to light at the NCRHA, TTRNA calls for a wider investigation into all financial practices at that Regional Health Authority. Many allegations would have been brought to the Association attention over the years with no resolution..
They included, questionable hospital bed purchases, overtime racket, re-routing patients to private facilities, and most recently the procurement claims highlighted by the Former Minister Devant Maharaj, where it appears the cost of medical supplies are above market prices and not what is required in the department. The Association looks forward for the speedy conclusion to this investigation, to fully absolve or publicly convict the involved parties.
While some of these allegations are not new, and have spanned several administrations, TTRNA is now even more concerned with the alleged misappropriation of entitlements that employees have worked hard for. Funds that would have been allocated by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, to be used for increment, gratuity and pension payments to nursing personnel, may not be reaching its intended recipients.
Many questions have been posed. Where is this money? What is it being used for? Who gave the approval, to use it for any other purpose?
TTRNA has already filed over a dozen trade disputes on-behalf of its members, and several have already reached the Industrial Court in relation to the non-payment of increments and gratuity. Why should the Association have to take these measures when these entitlements are justly due to the employees. All other RHAs (with some delay) are paying increments, gratuity, and pension payments to nursing personnel. Why is the NCRHA being allowed to get away with this, while they continue to undertake monthly public relations campaigns.
The NCRHA has failed to provide the Association with a response to questions asked via a FOIA request in 2018 with regards to some of these questions (See attached). Therefore, the Association will be applying to the High court for Judicial Review. The NCRHA must be held accountable. The non-payment of increments, gratuity and pensions to nursing personnel will not be allowed to continue. The buck stops here.
Source : Trinidad and Tobago - Gaurdian
Another Doctor Reportedly Overpaid
By Ken Ali Sat Nov 07 2009
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/another-doctor-reportedly---overpaid-6.2.324027.2dd195d372
