The Editor, Sir:

As has been clearly obvious, there is great neglect and compromise in the delivery of health care in Jamaica. In the face of limited resources, poor working conditions, loss of skilled workers and lack of availability of necessary materials, the government saw it fit to cut the health budget. As a doctor, the situation faced on a daily basis can be horrifying to the public at large, only if they knew. It's surprising how money can be found to fund projects to beautify streets and not to provide acceptable health care to the nation's poor. And this is a government which claims to be looking out for the poor.

Health, education and security are the three main sectors in this country and the ones who were in long salary negotiations with the Government. These workers are neglected and treated quite poorly in the light of meagre compensation. However, we continue to provide the best service possible. Gladly, this is quite obvious now that the conditions at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital have surfaced to national attention. These situations are not restricted to that institution alone; it reflects a general trend in the public health system.

With the Cricket World Cup approaching, there have been talks to fit some hospitals with state-of- the-art equipment including CT scanners, obviously because of the likely influx of foreign visitors. They can't be allowed to fall ill here and be taken to such deplorable hospitals. However, all this time, these institutions in the Government's eyes were OK for us locals. This is second class treatment in our own country.

I am, etc.,

Dr. SUNIL STEPHENSON

sunilstephenson@yahoo.com

Cornwall Regional Hospital

Montego Bay

Via Go-Jamaica