By Lara Pickford-Gordon Thursday, August 6 2009

Two positions are now vacant on the Medical Council as Dr Neil Singh has tendered his resignation to the council and Health Minister Jerry Narace.

Singh has faced sharp criticism from his colleagues after he wrote a personal letter to Narace expressing the view that the council was divided and no compromise could be reached on the registration of Cuban doctors and advised the ministry should proceed with the establishment of the parallel board to register the Cubans.

In his letter of resignation, Singh likened the behaviour of some of his colleagues to a “medical mafia” which is “attempting to gain control of the council so they may utilise its power to achieve their personal agenda.”

Singh called no names but said members belonging to an organisation were “behaving like thugs and hooligans and are less than honest in their pursuit of their biased and unpopular political agenda.” He said these doctors were trying to impose their will “with impunity” on the council. Singh said some members of the Medical Board have accused him of compromising his position as secretary of the council by writing the letter to Narace, who read it in Parliament during debate on the Medical Board (Amendment) Bill 2009. Singh said he was viewed as a “sell out” and “in opposition to their perceived agenda albeit political or otherwise.”

Singh said in recent times the medical fraternity endured tremendous hostility from politicians and the public and he believed that it was not in the best interest of the profession to engage in a battle with a minority of disgruntled members.

He said since the council (2007-2010) was installed conducting the affairs of the council had become more challenging. He said many important matters such as the specialist register and two tribunals were still outstanding. Singh said as secretary for the past six years he believed the current structure and composition of the council did not afford the opportunity “to efficiently discharge the duties of a statutory body.”

Commenting on Singh’s resignation, president of the Medical Association Dr Solaiman Juman told Newsday that Singh worked hard as a member of the council and his efforts were appreciated. Asked his views on Singh’s statements, Juman said members of the board (as in the rest of society) approached things in different ways, some were moderate and conciliatory while others were aggressive. However, he said the Medical Association was interested in working with all stakeholders in a “conciliatory, negotiated manner on behalf of the medical fraternity and public.”

Secretary of the Medical Professionals Association of TT Dr Balkaran Ramkissoon said Singh should say openly “who or what this mafia is. MPATT is not aware of any such thing.”

Former council president Dr Steve Smith was ousted from his position by fellow members who voted for Dr Zulaika Ali to replace him recently. He has since resigned from the council.

A special extra-ordinary meeting of the Medical Board (comprising all fully registered doctors) is scheduled for Monday at Ampitheatre A, Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope.