By Jomo Paul
[www.inewsguyana.com] – While the nation is still reeling from the recent revelation of medical expenses for government officials including over $2M spent on dental health for Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party /Civic, Clement Rohee says he can foot his own medical bills.
Various media entities last week reported on the medical expenses of government officials paid for by the state during the period 2012-13, where it was noted that the government spent $361 million on health expenses, mostly for government officials, during the period in question.
Rohee’s name was conspicuously absent from the list of persons seeking medical assistance and when questioned, he made it clear that he delves into his own pockets for whatever medical expenses he has.
“I never approached anyone for medical health, I look after all my own medical bills,” said Rohee who added that “most times” he can afford to pay his own medical expenses.
When asked about the fact that his fellow ministers have taken advantage of the offer, the PPP/C General Secretary simply proffered “that’s a matter for the individuals themselves…that’s for them to decide.”
In its first public response to the recent revelation, the Ministry of Health sought to chastise the media for reporting on what it described as the “unethical and disingenuous exposure of private medical details, concerning selected government officials.”
In a press release issued on Sunday, March 01 the Health Ministrydid not directly address the medical expenses but went on a tirade against Guyana’s media.
“Certain media outlets and personnel, in taking ‘cheap shots’ for political mileage have revealed not only their political biases, but also an insensitive and inimical culture of journalism, towards the Government of Guyana,” the release read.
