Panton Says “Big Health Spending, But No Real Expansion Ahead”

Turning now to the future of Belize’s healthcare system. Opposition member Panton is warning Belizeans not to expect any real improvements, even though the government has set aside one hundred and one million dollars for health training. He says the investment still won’t bring expanded specialized services or stronger rural healthcare. And Panton didn’t stop there. He told the House that the situation is being made even more complicated by pressure from the United States, which he says is pushing Belize to end its long-standing partnership with the Cuban Medical Brigade. According to Panton, Washington has given the prime minister a firm deadline, along with a list of possible consequences if Belize doesn’t comply.

 

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition

“This translates to no medical expansion for specialized medical training. No expansion for rural healthcare capacity, designated scholarships for trained nurses, doctors, technicians and other health care providers. This raises another fundamental concern, how do we intend to address adequate patient care if Belize yield to the pressures of the United States to end its long standing partnership with the Cuban Medical Brigade. We have always shown profound respect and regard for our friends, allies, international partners, who have consistently helped us in the arduous work of nation building. It is deeply troubling that both our sovereignty and democracy are at risk if we don’t unfollow the unreasonable demands of those who seek to have unbridled power in this hemisphere. Our government has been read the riot act. We have been reliable informed that the prime minister has been given a firm timeline to act on the request related to the Cuban Medical Brigade or be exposed to consequences of visa restrictions, revocations, restrictions on travel and tourism and sanctions.”

 

Panton argues that without meaningful health-sector expansion and while facing U.S. pressure over the Cuban Medical Brigade, Belize could be risking both its healthcare stability and its sovereignty.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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