KINGSTON, Jamaica — Government Senator Dr Elon Thompson has hit back at comments made by Dr Alfred Dawes that the healthcare system is in a “serious crisis” due to an ongoing mould infestation at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), which has resulted in the closure of its operating theatre.

Dr Dawes, who is the Opposition’s spokesperson on health and wellness, made the comments at a press conference on Tuesday at the People’s National Party’s (PNP) Old Hope Road headquarters.

Thompson, in a media release on Wednesday, described Dr Dawes’ comments as “unfortunate partisanship and clear opportunism”.

“It is unfortunate that Dr Dawes displayed political opportunism and partisanship during the PNP media conference on Tuesday. His partisan rhetoric has no place when discussing matters concerning healthcare. I am advised that the operating theatre at the KPH will be back up in operation in short order. A problem was recognised and the Chris Tufton-led health ministry must be credited with moving to fix it,” Dr Thompson said.

Dr Thompson said he has been reliably informed that the Ministry of Health and Wellness is at an advanced stage of fixing the issue and that work commenced before Dr Dawes highlighted the issue.

He argued that the Jamaica Labour Party administration is not in the business of hiding challenges associated with Jamaica’s healthcare system.

“Dawes should remember it was he who, when the PNP was in office, bemoaned the terrible state of the system and inaction by the PNP. He complained about issues, including that garbage bags were being used to substitute for gowns. If he is being honest, Dawes must recognise that this Government has invested heavily in upgrading infrastructure, availability of equipment and service delivery,” he added.

Senator Thompson added that while there is much work to be done, some positives have been achieved by the current Government.

READ: Health system is in a ‘serious crisis’, says Dr Dawes