Dear Editor,

I think the PNC’s opposition to Dr Ramsammy’s “Health Facilities Licensing Bill” is short-sighted. The object of the bill is clearly intended to protect patients and their families from exploitation by the unscrupulous. And in Guyana, there is much exploitation by the unscrupulous ranging from hospital/clinic facilities to fake “herbal doctors”.

We are lucky to have a man like Dr Ramsammy as health minister. Ramsammy was personally responsible for keeping the health services afloat when so much else has been going under. For example, he was personally responsible for the country-wide immunization programme protecting the younger generation, a world-recognised AIDS programme, protection against Bird Flu, and the introduction of kidney-urinary machines, open heart clinic, cancer clinic and other improvements.

Ramsammy is doing his best to bring a good, modern, affordable health service to Guyana. I would strongly suggest that the PNC re-think its position on the bill.

Yours faithfully,

R. Williams