Tufton condemns Opposition for 'unwarranted' attacks on health officials

Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton is condemning what he says is the sustained and coordinated attacks on civil servants in the health sector by the Opposition People's National Party (PNP). 

Tufton also dismissed calls by the PNP for him and four other key health officials to resign, labelling these criticisms as “spurious” and a “morally bankrupt strategy” that the Opposition is utilising to gain power. 

“I would like to publicly express my deep disappointment and indeed condemnation of these unwarranted attacks on public servants on their reputation, on their professionalism and on the institution that they represent. The opposition has clearly decided that their best hope for political office is to pursue what I will classify as a carpet bombing strategy,” he said. 

The operations of the Health Ministry have been under scrutiny in recent weeks following the deaths of a newborn at May Pen Hospital in Clarendon and a woman at Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny after they were unable to get access to critical equipment.

Tufton's comments echo similar ones made by the Jamaica Civil Service Association that on Tuesday, voiced its support for Dunstan Bryan, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health who it said was facing “undue backlash.”

Bryan's oversight of the administrative affairs of the Health Ministry was brought into question after it was revealed that the Auditor General's Department is awaiting appropriation accounts spanning a decade – from 2013-2014 to 2022-2023 – to review how taxpayers' money amounting to nearly $700 billion was spent by the ministry. 

Bryan has since indicated that the death, migration, and retirement of former staff have impacted the ministry's ability to finalise its appropriation accounts.

The JCSA called for, among other things; immediate action to safeguard the well-being of the permanent secretary and other public servants “from undue political pressures.” 

Meanwhile, Tufton, speaking at a post cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, cautioned the PNP not to seek to destroy an institution it hopes to lead one day. 

“Let me say, as a public servant and one who aspires to higher office…where we are now, and want to continue so to do, but with a lot of experience…that burning down the house to improve your chances of controlling it is an indication of moral bankruptcy and does not serve the interest of the Jamaican people,” he said. 

The Minister also foreshadowed a “new wave” of attacks on his ministry he said was being organised by the Opposition.  

“I understand from my sources that next week will come a new wave and that pictures are going to be circulating about the conditions in hospitals, some fabricated, others may be achieved in particular circumstances to further give negative impressions of hospital services,” he said. 

Declaring that the health system is not perfect, Tufton expressed his appreciation for health care workers, stating that they will remain resolute amid the criticisms. 

“We will remain focused on the work that we have to do and ignore the noise, and I call on all well thinking Jamaicans not to be gullible to these impressions and these purveyors of negativity and false narratives,” he said.

-Sashana Small 

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