Deputy Speaker, Dr. Asha Kissoon revealed today, a pressing concern affecting Guyana’s doctors. She noted their current battle with grueling working conditions inclusive of 16, 24, and even 26-hour shifts, with the compensation for these strenuous hours being a mere $4,000 that is also subject to taxation.
“They work 16-hour shifts, 24 hour shifts 26-hour shifts. Could this honorable House even fathom that a doctor is paid $4,000 for working 16, 24 or 26 hours which is being taxed,” she noted.
Speaking candidly during her speech at the budget debates today, Dr. Kissoon who is also a medical doctor within Guyana’s public health system was at the time addressing the critical issue of mass departure of medical professionals from Guyana, including nurses and doctors, from the public health system to find better pay in other countries.
Citing her personal experience and that of her colleagues, she clarified that the departure of the country’s medical professionals is not solely due to better opportunities elsewhere but stems from the systemic failure to address their basic needs and the grueling work schedules endured by these healthcare professionals, with substandard pay.
The doctor also emphasized the non-competitiveness of Guyana’s medical professionals’ salaries in comparison to the Caribbean. To substantiate her claims, the doctor referenced a document submitted by all doctors under the Ministry of Health, outlining the pressing issues they face.
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony was quick to interrupt Kissoon’s speech to object to her claim. “I rise on the Standing Order 41 and I would like to ask that the honourable member who is speaking, if she can lay over the evidence,” Anthony said. However, his objection was quickly shut down by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, who noted that his objection does not qualify but promised to have Kissoon’s claims looked into.
Despite the opposition to her statement, the doctor pledged to stand on truth, vowing to submit the document as evidence of the stark reality healthcare professionals are confronting. Once again highlighting the concerning situation, Dr. Kissoon emphasized that in ignoring the cries of healthcare workers, the government not only fails to acknowledge their but it also poses a significant challenge to retaining medical professionals within the system.
Closing the address, the doctor clarified that in highlighting these shortcomings, the intention was not to criticize the government’s efforts but to present an unvarnished portrayal of the challenges faced by those on the front lines of healthcare in Guyana.
