A call is being made for a greater public-private sector partnership particularly as it relates to the relationship between the Government and the dental industry.
Delivering remarks at the CDP Opening Ceremony on Tuesday evening at the Accra Beach Hotel and Spa, Chairman of the Caribbean Dental Programme (CDP), Dr. Victor Eastmond said that he has been advocating for this for far too long and he believes that this is something that will help to enhance the services that dentists provide to the general public.
“For too long we have had mouthings relating to a private-public health partnership, but with minimal results. In Barbados this is commonly known as ‘a lot of long talk.’ As an almost retired practitioner, I feel our profession has a duty not only to private patients, but to every citizen, by ensuring all persons within our country have good dental health services.”
He said that from their end, they try to develop on this partnership during Dental Health Month which they do in affiliation with Colgate-Palmolive.
“We – private-public sector – currently provide this partnership during our Dental Health Month in conjunction with Colgate-Palmolive who deserve much praise for what they continue to do. I however feel there are ways in which such as partnership can work, but this will have to be done via joint consultations between the Ministry and the profession.”
The CDP Chairman added that one of the ways that this partnership can work is by having the Government address the registration fee that dentists have to pay in order to practice in this country.
“Before we get into this deep discussion with the Ministry, I must say a few words on behalf of the profession as I feel that it is unjust for dentists who are servants in the provision in this area of health care to be penalised with a BDS $2 500 fee annually for the privilege of being registered in Barbados after having spent in excess of US $150 000 to $200 000 for their education at an accredited dental school to gain the requisite qualification. However at the same time, I feel we have a national duty and debt to return to Barbados to provide our services.” (PJT)