PDM: Washington Misick And Kyle Knowles’ Healthcare Strategy Is A Bus Crash Waiting To Happen

Thirty days remain before InterHealth Canada’s exit, yet the PNP Government expects our people to trust a healthcare plan they have neither seen nor had properly explained to them.

That is not leadership. It is reckless secrecy with the health of an entire country.

Despite repeated calls from PDM Leader Hon. Douglas Parnell, Premier Washington Misick and Minister of Health Kyle Knowles have not held one press conference to face the people and answer questions.

Who will operate our hospitals after InterHealth Canada exits? Will the doctors, nurses and specialists remain? Are medicines, equipment, emergency services and overseas referrals secured? What happens if the new arrangements are not ready?

The Government has not answered.

If your child becomes seriously ill, will the hospital be ready? If you suffer a stroke, heart attack or serious accident, will the treatment you need be available?

The people must not discover the truth when they arrive at the hospital in an emergency.

At his 29 July press conference, Parnell warned that a new arbitration could expose taxpayers to more than $150 million, excluding interest. He further warned that unpaid back payments could push the exposure towards $200 million—not including the outstanding balance on the original hospital loan.

He called upon the Government to explain who approved its non-payment strategy, what legal and financial advice was received and whether Cabinet understood the risks.

At the PDM’s 3 September press conference, Parnell again challenged the Government to confirm or correct those figures and disclose what is owed, what is disputed and whether arbitration or litigation is underway.

Still, there are no answers.

The Government must also disclose what alternatives it considered and whether a negotiated resolution was properly assessed against the financial, legal and operational dangers of termination.

Parnell said: “Washington Misick and Kyle Knowles say they have everything under control, but they refuse to show the country the plan. Healthcare is too important for secrecy. No family should enter our hospitals wondering whether the doctors, equipment or treatment they need will be available.

Our responsibility as the Opposition is to protect the people from avoidable mistakes and PNP failures. If the Government says there is no crisis, let it face the country and show us the evidence.”

The PDM calls upon the Premier and Minister of Health to hold a nationally broadcast press conference and disclose:

- Who will operate and control both hospitals;

- How staffing, medicines and emergency care will be protected;

- Whether overseas referrals will continue uninterrupted;

- The Government’s full financial and legal exposure;

- Whether an independent readiness assessment has been completed; and

- The contingency plan if the transition fails.

Patients and families cannot question a government statement. Washington Misick and Kyle Knowles must face the press, answer the questions and show the evidence.

Thirty days remain. Our people’s lives are at stake. The silence must end now.

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