Dear Editor,
Calls for the resignation of health minister, Dr Fenton Ferguson, could not have come at a more inopportune time. It is unwise to have such a crucial ministry's leadership in limbo at this time.
Certainly, questionable and ill-advised remarks have been made in recent times, but we ought to forgive and support the leadership we now have.
The ministry already suffers from a decrease in its credibility and as such, the Opposition should not add to the distrust and panic that has already been engendered. It has a greater role to play, which does not include playing politics.
We are already facing a health crisis with chikungunya, but of even greater concern is Ebola, which is now in our backyard. Therefore, a wholesome health authority, however relative that may be, is very necessary at this moment.
The severity of Jamaica's vulnerability has been highlighted following the declaration by doctors serving at hospitals nationwide concerning their unpreparedness for an introduction of the Ebola virus. It would be sensible for the Government, the Opposition, and private sector to work together and pool resources. The focus must be shifted to using the time we have now to possibly pre-empt Ebola as best as we can. The bad habit of taking phenomena seriously only when they arrive on our shores must be abandoned.
Yohan Lee
St Andrew, yohan.s.r.lee@live.com
Forget the politics, prepare for Ebola
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Calls for the resignation of health minister, Dr Fenton Ferguson, could not have come at a more inopportune time. It is unwise to have such a crucial ministry's leadership in limbo at this time.
Certainly, questionable and ill-advised remarks have been made in recent times, but we ought to forgive and support the leadership we now have.
The ministry already suffers from a decrease in its credibility and as such, the Opposition should not add to the distrust and panic that has already been engendered. It has a greater role to play, which does not include playing politics.
We are already facing a health crisis with chikungunya, but of even greater concern is Ebola, which is now in our backyard. Therefore, a wholesome health authority, however relative that may be, is very necessary at this moment.
The severity of Jamaica's vulnerability has been highlighted following the declaration by doctors serving at hospitals nationwide concerning their unpreparedness for an introduction of the Ebola virus. It would be sensible for the Government, the Opposition, and private sector to work together and pool resources. The focus must be shifted to using the time we have now to possibly pre-empt Ebola as best as we can. The bad habit of taking phenomena seriously only when they arrive on our shores must be abandoned.
Yohan Lee
St Andrew, yohan.s.r.lee@live.com
Forget the politics, prepare for Ebola
-->