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The Public Services Associa-tion (PSA) of TT yesterday offered assistance to any Cuban or United Nations doctor who encounters any threat or impediment in doing their job and advised them to make contact when this happened. The union also condemned the efforts of the Medical Professionals Association of TT (MPATT) to challenge the integrity of the accreditation of the doctors. In a Christmas greeting, president of the union Jennifer Baptiste-Primus strongly criticised the local doctors who were "doing all in their power to place all kinds of obstacles in the paths" of the UN doctors. Describing such conduct as shameful and objectionable, she warned that the day is rapidly approaching when those "who traditionally prostituted on the poor would have to resort to elsewhere to satisfy their greed." Baptiste-Primus warned that health care will no longer be their private pasture.

She defended the foreign doctors recruited to assist with the shortage in the health sector, and assured that the PSA would ensure they are afforded a "comfortable work environment in which to work." She commended the contribution they were making in enhancing the quality of care that is so badly needed in TT. Baptiste-Primus said members of the public have also expressed growing confidence in "the professional and caring performance of these medical professionals." She said patients, some of whom are PSA members, have expressed their gratitude to the doctors.

Commenting on the offer of new contracts offered by the Regional Health Authority to junior doctors, Baptiste-Primus admonished them to sign. She urged them not to repeat the "unfortunate action taken in January 2003, which caused untold suffering and even death to many of the poor and working people of TT." She reminded them that the PSA remains the only legally recognised union available and eminently qualified to give assistance they may need. "This country deserves a far better quality of health care. Medical officers must respect and be respected for the contribution that they must make. The mobility and respect of the procession must be restored." The PSA president wished all PSA members and the public a safe, happy and holy Christmas. She hoped for the new year to be financially rewarding, spiritually uplifting and productive to all.