By Sue-Ann Wayow
ELDERLY persons who were waiting in the rain on Wednesday for their Covid-19 vaccines at different health facilities did not have confirmed appointments.
Videos and photos of elderly sitting in the rain holding umbrellas outside the La Romaine Health Centre were shared on social media with many expressing outrage that the elderly had to endure such conditions.
The South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) posted a statement on social media.
It stated, “The SWRHA notes videos and pictures circulating on social media of persons 65 years and over outside a few of our health facilities. While we strive for an efficient system overlay for the vaccination process, these valued citizens were without confirmed appointments.”
The SWRHA continued, “These persons were so advised by our attending staff to resolve the situation. We continue to remind that SWRHA will call and schedule appointments for persons 65 and over. This process avoids congregation in breach of the current public health regulations.”
Government engaging in elder abuse
Member of Parliament for Oropouche West Davendranath Tancoo slammed Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh for allowing another ill-managed vaccine system to take place.
He stated in a release, “We are in the rainy season and it is atrocious that the Minister of Health has made no provision for rain. Why does Minister Deyalsingh continue to suffer our sick and elderly citizens? Ironically not even the chairs shown on the video were provided by the Minister of Health. These were provided by a good Samaritan fed up of the failure of the Minister to provide basic facilities.”
He stated that no apology or apparent empathy can justify the abuse of citizens adding that Government spent thousands in advertising for World Elder Abuse Day commemorated earlier this week.
“Today we are seeing the Government engage in elder abuse,” Tancoo stated.
