M.O.H. Will Respond to Nursing Task Force

Marvin Manzanero

The Public Service Union has weighed in on the matter.  The union expresses solidarity with the Nursing Task Force and the Nurses Association of Belize. The P.S.U. says that the issues raised only supports the P.S.U.’s declaration based on the President’s countrywide tour, in which it has been confirmed that the Ministry of Health is one of the poorest administered sectors in the Public Service.  The P.S.U. says that it will stand with all nurses in their fight. Both ministries have been given a time frame of five days to respond in writing to the task force’s concerns or face the wrath of hundreds of nurses across the country.  Doctor Manzanero says that he is aware that a response from the Ministry of Health would be forthcoming by Monday.

Hipolito Novelo

“One of the things that they want is to be able to ensure that a nurse is included in the selection panel or recruitment process to fill in the post of Chief Nursing Officer. Is that is something that your office is willing to accept?”

On the Phone: Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services

“I don’t think my desk determines who sits on the panel.”

Hipolito Novelo

“But that is being carefully looked at as well.”

On the Phone: Dr. Marvin Manzanero

“Well it is not the scope of my desk. If it were to my desk I can give you answer to that but I don’t determine who sits on the panel.”

Hipolito Novelo

“They have given the ministries to respond five days to avoid the escalation of tension. Are you speaking with the Minister of Health and your C.E.O. in terms of the way forward?”

On the Phone: Dr. Marvin Manzanero

“Yes and I believe there would be an official response as a ministry perhaps but I cannot speak in that regard. I can only speak to the responsibly of my desk in that regard.”