Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh on Friday expressed shock that a “broken crank” of a delivery table at the Mt Hope Women’s Hospital was being held together by masking tape.
Deyalsingh said this was what he inherited from the former People’s Partnership government who built three new hospitals during its five-year term at a cost of $5 billion, and yet the country had little or nothing to show for it.
The St Joseph MP made the comment during his contribution on the Increase of Loan Ceiling Under the Development Loans Act motion in the House of Representatives.
Deyalsingh said he had no issue with hospitals being built, but felt that citizens had not gotten value for money.
Since being appointed minister, Deyalsingh said he had the opportunity to tour the Mt Hope Women’s Hospital.
He said the things he saw in the health sector shocked him, particularly the broken crank.
“The crank to adjust the head and foot rest of the bed had been broken and was being held together by masking tape. Could you imagine that?
“This is what they left for me after five years and $5 billion spent,” Deyalsingh said.
Deyalsingh said, under the PNM they would cut out waste and corruption.
“We are not going to spin a wheel and hope our fortune improves.
“We will give prudent management and procurement practices.”