Senior Reporter
rhondor.dowlat@guardian.co.tt
A new lobby group formed by doctors is voicing strong objections to proposed amendments to the Medical Board Act, recently sanctioned by the Executive Council of the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago (MBTT).
The group, known as the Doctors Ethics and Autonomy Lobby (DEAL), contends that these changes threaten the integrity and independence of the medical profession, and undermine patients’ rights and public health.
DEAL, in detailed letters to statutory bodies represented on the MBTT Council, the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Trinidad and Tobago (ICATT), the Inter-Religious Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (IRO), the University of the West Indies (UWI), and the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), outlined what they saw as the draconian nature of the proposed legislative changes.
“We are deeply concerned that these amendments were sanctioned by the council without adequate consultation or approval from the general membership of the Medical Board,” said DEAL executive members Dr David Strisiver, Dr Johnny Siu Chong, and Dr Rajiv Seereeram in a collective statement.
“The proposed changes threaten the autonomy of the medical profession, compromise patient’s care, and undermine the health and well-being of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Key issues highlighted by DEAL include:
1. Lack of Proper Consultation: DEAL asserts that the council’s endorsement of the amendments was premature and lacked sufficient input from the general membership of the board.
2. Transparency and Accountability: The proposed amendments fail to address transparency in committee appointments and reporting and introduce an indemnity clause for the council, which DEAL argues undermines financial accountability.
3. Bioethics and Patient’s Rights: The amendments do not rectify existing deficiencies in bioethics codes necessary to protect patient’s rights.
4. Continuing Medical Education (CME) Mandates: DEAL opposes the introduction of punitive CME requirements before establishing a functional and transparent CME programme.
5. General Manager Appointment: The introduction of a statutory general manager with an unlimited term and significant executive powers is seen as a direct threat to the Board’s independence. DEAL has called for a Special General Meeting of the Medical Board, scheduled for June 25, to discuss these legislative changes and facilitate broader member input.
The group has also retained legal advisers Dave Persad and Anthony Manwah to assist in their advocacy efforts.
DEAL has requested a meeting with LATT to discuss the implications of the proposed amendments.