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Ramotar to review medical benefits to Gov’t officials – Jagdeo
Plans have already been made for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to review the policy that allows all medical bills of government ministers and officials to be footed by the Consolidated Fund.
Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo
Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo made this known on Tuesday last, when he hosted a press conference at the party’s headquarters, Freedom House.
Jagdeo made no qualms to reveal that the plans were decided upon after he spoke to incumbent President Donald Ramotar about the policy and told him it just cannot work.
The former Head of State said that after speaking to Ramotar, he was given all assurances that the policy will be changed.
The announcement by Jagdeo was a stark reminder of utterances from the Opposition to the effect that he was running the country even as Ramotar “posed” as President.
Jagdeo spoke about this as he addressed the fact that government officials utilized over $200M for medical services during the years 2012 – 2013.
He told media operatives that “He (President Ramotar) said to me that he plans to change this policy; that while he can’t take away benefits from constitutional posts of elected people including the Leader of the Opposition, he will move mainly, maybe to a policy of insurance, so that the charges against the Consolidated Fund will be limited. So, for example, if you spend $300,000 a year to create a policy for the person, then that’s the extent of the exposure of the Treasury.”
He added, “So he (Ramotar) has recognized that this can’t continue and he has made it clear that he intends to change it.”
With reference to the fact that Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai had received some $2.1 million to do dental work, and other government officials were the recipients of equally large or even bigger amounts, Jagdeo said that certain issues should not be funded by the State.
Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon had defended the medical assistance stating that it has been inherited and supported by successive governments of Guyana.
As for his own medical expenses, Jagdeo said since he left office, the government has not paid “a blind cent” for any of his medical expenses. He said he has footed those bills himself.
Last year, the former President was medically evacuated via private jet to the United States.
When questioned about the source of the money behind the payment for the private jet and the nature of his medical emergency, Jagdeo told the media “that’s none of your business.”
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