Health Minister On SHB & Hamilton Medical
Noting that she is “fully aware of the ongoing media and social media commentary regarding the Hamilton Medical Centre and Dr JJ Soares seeking Standard Health Benefit [SHB] approval,” Minister of Health Kim Wilson said that “as the matter is currently under reconsideration, I am unable to provide substantive comments.”
This comes in advance of a scheduled protest tomorrow, with a promotion on social media stating, “Join us on Tuesday, May 31st as we protest against Bermuda Health Council’s discriminatory policy against HIP and FutureCare patients using Dr. Soares and HMC Burnaby Medical Center. Meet at 8:15am outside of Bermuda Health Council offices [16 Wesley Street[ At 10:00am we will march to Cabinet grounds. All are welcome! Don’t let others make your healthcare decisions for you.”
Minister of Health Kim Wilson said, “I am fully aware of the ongoing media and social media commentary regarding the Hamilton Medical Centre and Dr JJ Soares seeking Standard Health Benefit [SHB] approval. As the matter is currently under reconsideration, I am unable to provide substantive comments.
“More importantly, the review of health service providers’ SHB applications is for the Bermuda Health Council to undertake as the regulatory body, not the Ministry of Health.
“What I can say is this – SHB is not guaranteed for any medical business in Bermuda. It is deeply regretful that allegations of discrimination have entered the conversation when there a number of businesses that have been approved or denied SHB over the last few years.
“The businesses denied SHB continue to deliver care for our community, and they are black and white businesses. Not having SHB does not stop a business from operating or providing services.
“The current legal status is this: The Health Council reviewed Dr Soares’ application for SHB, and following review by multiple committees, it was denied. Dr Soares appealed this decision to the Supreme Court, as is his right.
“The Supreme Court granted Dr Soares’ SHB, so, at present, Dr Soares is operating with SHB approval. However, the Bermuda Health Council appealed that decision, and the Court of Appeal granted the Health Council’s application against the Supreme Court decision, directing that the Health Council conduct another review of Dr Soares’ application.
“It is my understanding that reconsideration is pending. For any further information, I would have to direct you to the Bermuda Health Council.”
If they meet the criteria the should be approved – PERIO! Why souldn’t he be up in arms over this?! I am not a patient there but that is because I have trust in MY doctor. If they do not meet the criteria, explain to the public why!? In the case of HMC or any other facility seeking the same – you take away the patients right to seek medical advice from their doctor of choice. You are denying the public the CHOICE to use the facilities and the doctors that they trust, and telling them where they MUST spend their hard earned money that they have entrusted you with. Enough is enough. We need more choices not more government!
they are not friend or family!
I suspect someone else doesn’t like competition.
If it does not benefit DREB it cannot be good for Bermuda!
This is just the PLP expressing their racism toward someone who doesn’t look like them.
It seems Bermuda is proud of its bigotry, and doesn’t mind the rest of the world knowing about it.