K.H.M.H. Workers Union Express Discontent at Removal of Dr. Andre Sosa and Board Chair; Minister Says It’s for the Best
Andre Sosa
Today the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Workers’ Union expressed disappointment and discontent with the removal of Doctor Andre Sosa, chairman of the hospital’s board of directors. In a press release from the union, it states “Doctor Andre Sosa understands the plight of the hospital making him a suitable advocate for the K.H.M.H.A. and its patients. Doctor Sosa respects the need for a union. He worked hand in hand with the union to ensure the betterment of the hospital and its staff and proper care for the patients who utilize our institution. The K.H.M.H.A.W.U. calls for the Minister of Health and Wellness to reconsider the removal of Doctor Sosa as the Chair of the K.H.M.H.A. Board” . But Minister Kevin Bernard gave his reason to News Five today as to why he wants someone else to serve in that capacity. He told News Five’s Marion Ali that it has all to do with management and that there are three persons being considered to take up the post come March first. Here’s that report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Contrary to previous reports that Dr Andre Sosa was removed from the post of Chairman of the K.H.M.H Board because the relationship between him and the Ministry had soured over the two years that he held the post, Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard told News Five today that nothing could be further from the truth.
Kevin Bernard
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness
“Dr. Sosa and I are good friends. In fact, he’s one of my family doctors, so it was no easy feat for us making that decision. We need somebody that really has the worth of experience in financial management in order to be able to really look at where K.H.M.H. needs to go. K.H.M.H needs to be financially viable, sustainable, as well, and I think that in order for us to do that, we need to bring on someone that is able to then move the institution on a more financially viable footing. So that is the basis of the change.”
In its release, the K.H.M.H Workers Union pointed out that the position of chairman is not one that should be taken lightly, since it requires a broad knowledge of health and administration. And that is the same justification the minister gave us today when we met with him.
Kevin Bernard
“Did Dr. Sosa do his best? Of course he did his very best. So the decision may disappoint some. But we need to really bring K.H.M.H on a more financially-sustainable footing and I think that the best way to. We need to bring in the person with the right experience to be able to lead the institution.”
Marion Ali
“Who is that person, aside from Arun (Hotchandani) who is holding over until the end of the month?”
Kevin Bernard
“Well, just to also clear the air, Mr. Arun, who is the current vice chairman, has been asked to hold over up to the 28th of February. We are working on discussions. They are, they are three individuals that we are looking at, but I won’t want to say any names at this point in time. We know, however, that by the end of this month, we will have a new chairman.”
According to the Minister, one of the prospects is a current board member and the other two are from outside the hospital but have the requisite experience. He also assured the union that the ministry will live up to its pledge for an overall improvement over the next six months.
Kevin Bernard
“Management and the ministry will be working very closely with the union to ensure that there are smooth sailing thereafter. Yes, there are some timelines that have been set out. The issue, the CT-scan, the issue of making sure quality medication and supply improving, yes, that it is continuous the whole process. Moving up the tender process, making sure that we have more a member of the coalition involved in the whole tender site process, the bidding committee.”
Minister Bernard said that the ministry has presented a realistic budget that will also focus on the K.H.M.H and the need to improve on the supplies demands. Marion Ali for News Five.
