Hold your Head Up Doc

commentaryI stand in support of Dr Irvin ‘Eipigh’ Pascal who was both a subject and victim of the debate on the 2014 national  budget  of the Government of Dominica . The comments by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and the Minister of Health Mr Julius Timothy were  inappropriate,  unnecessary, unethical and unprofessional contributions  to the national budget debate (the comments may be read in another DNO article at https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/human-interest/local-doctor-expresses-fear-safety/)  In my view, it was an episode of psychological violence against Dr Pascal and health professionals in general. The ministers seemed to be saying that since Dr. Pascal had criticized the health system he needed some ‘straightening’ an action they hope will shut up once and for all the few who dare to critique. I hasten to say that this bullying of Dr Pascal is a reflection of what happens to many health professionals in Dominica, only it does not happen in parliament or on air.  It is a fact that several health professionals  who critique,  raise concerns, or even suggest solutions in workplace forums  or in their professional associations are victimized, marginalized,ostracized, penalized, bullied, transferred, denied promotion and or are criticized in a personal way for doing what is their professional, ethical and moral duty. It is also a fact that the majority are silent as a result  – a very ominous sign, for it has negative mental health consequences on them and safety implications for patients.

This is very unfortunate and unacceptable because if we are honest with ourselves we will know that both service providers and service users are the best  critiques of any service industry. It is therefore a professional and democratic practice to be open to feedback and address problems to the satisfaction not only of the administrators but to the service provider and service user as well.  A lack of openness to criticism and input from others  as well as a lack of transparency with both employees  and service users of healthcare  have stunted the  growth of our health system because some policy makers autocratically think it is either their way or no other way.   The Minister of Health confirmed this by suggesting that those who write in the papers probably have nothing to offer and the ministry will proceed without them.   This behavior limits excellent consumer and employee relations; it also destroys staff morale, threatens patient safety,  and retards the development of the health system.

Healthcare professionals have a professional responsibility to raise concerns, advocate, contribute, join the political dialogue for better healthcare nationally and internationally.  This responsibility is bestowed on us by our international professional organizations for example the International Council of Nurses and the World Medical Association among others.  Many are oblivious to that role or simply reject it for various reasons. A main reason is that they are required to lobby and sometimes demand from governments’ conditions which enhance patient care and they shy from engaging in such activity.  Some shy away from that role because the government happens to be formed by the political party to which they hold allegiance and they prefer not to engage the authorities if there is a potential for dissent.  Others are intimidated by administrators and colleagues as well as they are first hand witnesses to victimizationand marginalization of those who step up to the plate. Still others simply lack the will, courage or capacity to do so.

The duty of raising concerns and making a contribution to healthcare planning and delivery is not limited to administrators, politicians and a few favored  health professionals only.  Politics by definition require that all of civil society participate and influence the debates which seek to determine how scarce resources which they need are best divided and utilized and this refers to everyone including health professionals whom I remind us are also health consumers. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) strongly recommends that citizens be included in health policy dialogue; how is it possible then to leave out some health professionals?

While this regrettable and regressive episode in our healthcare history is a large pill to swallow I encourage Dr Eipigh to hold his head high up.  I do so confidently knowing  that  his track record of high standard, competent, respectable, dignified, committed specialized medical  care  which he has given to Dominica and the region is commendable.   I declare him strong, resolute, safe and fortified in the ONE who blesses everything.

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50 Comments

  1. Kernita
    August 12, 2014

    You people are laughable. Fools. Politicians clouding your judgements and causing you’ll to act stupidly. Dr. Irving Pascal is not the only doctor who has written to higher authority in regard to the ills of the PMH and may I add he has his right to voice his concern. How in the hell because he is voicing his concern that he is being political? So are you labourites trying to say that Dr. Ricketts and Nurse Felix are political too? You people are nuts.

  2. real possie
    August 11, 2014

    Mam you have raised some valid points and in a perfect world we would see every thing work perfectly, but we all know anytime humans are the ones at the helm of anything it will never be perfect at the same time there’s two sides to a coin the people who you may say pass the people by and not promote them, what if there was genuine reason for doing so? I don’t know the other side so I will just let what is to be, be. Now let me add this to the reason why I just said what I just said, your commentary starts by saying you are In support of IP which is your rite and I have a lot more respect for you than a lot more persons, you put your name behind your statement.

    When I say what am about to say I hope you understand my concerns, as a Doctor I know like everyone else if you get tools that you never had or if is new tools you have that special smile on your face, IP gave in all four to five commentary he wrote his to the health system he never did suggest the way forward and as I was told he was in that same system where he could have implemented those changes or form of changes, the worrisome part for me is he never made mention of the equipment’s that was purchased and installed if you are going to be fair and judgmental in your commentaries it should have been noted, all I saw was the blame game and it came out as political as can be and I said it tom him on his commentary posting. I had no idea who he was I have never heard of him before now hearing who he is and where he stands its clear to me, to me you don’t use your profession to get you into politics if this is where you stand just say that’s where you stand but when I see a profession that is sacred its so few ever gets to be in that profession you don’t mislead people and use it as a springboard to propel you into the political ring. There are other Doctors on here that posts their commentaries or blogs the Educate the masses on good living not one of them mixed politics in their blogs, but like I said what is to be will be.

    PS mam I did not get to go to high school so much of my punctuation may be wrong so I can say to you am an illiterate with very low or none schooling Education, but with my none Education does not and will not trump my commonsense, I hope one day to hear you are in the position to help make the changes we are looking for you seem well versed on your profession would sure like to hear more of you.

  3. Cosmos Odyssey
    August 11, 2014

    I am in the echo chamber – The UWP supporters are out in full force. As long as someone is critical of the DLP and PM in particular, then you see the supporters out in full force with words like “well said and excellently written”…. “Thank you”….”Doc. , hold your head up high”.

    The truth is in the middle and we all know it. “Hypocrites and parasites Will come up and take a bite. And if your night should turn to day, A lot of people would run away.”

    Should Dr. Pascal ever make the mistake and dispense with some truth for the UWP – the fire breathing dragons would smoke him up.

    Dr. Pascal is nothing more than someone jockeying for position. I have no issue with public or private citizens supporting their political party or jockeying for a position. It is their right and they should not be vilified for doing so….but is Dr. IP a Martyr? – Not at all, he’s just another frustrated person ill-equipped to solving their problems.

    Just another disgruntled supporter in my view.

  4. marco
    August 11, 2014

    This was a very well written article. The points were clear to the point. Very logical as well. Great job and hopefully, the Government administration will understand your point.

  5. Colored Shades
    August 11, 2014

    Nurse job well done. thanks for not being one of the cowards who are afraid of KING SKERITT and his GOONS….Mr Timothy you who had to be flown abroad for medical assistance should not even come and make an even bigger fool of yourself….when IP said he spoke to you and it seems it was you who had studied medicine I believe you are most times too FULL of YOURSELF…You are intelligent in money matters but not in medicine otherwise you woulkd have known the symptoms of a stroke and treat yourself….Man go and rest so you can heal properly to fight another day in your bedroom or in Parliament.
    Skerro my boy; HEAR DIS
    CHANGE IS A MUST AND NO DEVIL IN HEAL WILL CHANGE THAT BECAUSE GOD himself is angry at YOU.

  6. CIA on the Watch
    August 11, 2014

    To the Author of this Article sending a copy to persons like Simeon Albert, Kamala Aaron, Cecil Joseph and the Hon Julius Timothy would raise their level of consciousness as to the real situation that exist in the health sector and their diatribe on radio will not change the facts right before their eye.

  7. Steven M
    August 11, 2014

    Very well written. We are most encouraged that more community leaders feel emboldened…..all thanks to Dr pascal.

  8. Dominican
    August 11, 2014

    One thing is clear Ms. Rosie Felix is a courageous woman. She speaks out publicly when she sees things wrong in spite of her employment.

  9. RASTA
    August 10, 2014

    Hold your head up Doc ! The politicians do think that they are not mortal beings but that is not true. Life is just a vapor which appears for a little time and vanishes away.
    Some day and not long the wicked shall be judged!

  10. u2sot
    August 10, 2014

    boy Eipigh you make your bed now go and lie down in it eh.

    • August 11, 2014

      I hope you never have reason to seek out Dr.Pascal (Eipigh) medical help just reminding you of your comment I guess you a one of those Govt persons or supporters who can fly out of Dominica for medical treatment.

  11. ?????????
    August 10, 2014

    Hmmmm

  12. Zap
    August 10, 2014

    I fully support the article. Pure forchette in the Cabinet. Tim-tim is a known liar. He should be relaxing at his home and playing Hocus Focus to tackle his memory loss. As for skerrit, he has his phd in lieing and he calls that logic. He and tony have been on a lieing competition for some time now. The ole speaker is a disgrace to women as well as men.,………… She should give mammy a job as secretary at her law offic.e. Their personalities are the same; same mind, same ‘heart’, same mannerisms.
    This gov’t is just plain wicked and needs to go now. Chanqe is a must.

  13. August 10, 2014

    Does that really happen.

  14. August 10, 2014

    Doctors andnurses should show the President and these kids the P.M and Tim more what the current president did in 77 and aided mamo and the DFP which he was a main player in79 as mamo’s instrument of distrucction of PJ’s then DLP now the shoe is on the other foot show em health providers. It would be so nice no a family reunion but a family payback.(That is a top Motown hit back in the day.)
    Our not DEAR President would get a taste of his old medicine.
    I would bring it to them the psychological terror with all the diseases we are so concerned about today. Some in high places who are sickly and approaching elderly phase of life who are in gov’t would welcome Skerro’s budget idea of reduce duty on diapers which they would most definitely need as they soil their pants.

  15. Anonymous
    August 10, 2014

    Well stated!!!

  16. August 10, 2014

    Its all political eddie et Al did the same to a nurse and doctor in 95 so this neo DLP has just vagabonly done so out spokenly .Mamo did it before before so did PJ

  17. August 10, 2014

    Timothy a contradicition to success has not changed his skin
    Skerro despite exposure confirm the pig in a palace(sparrow)
    as for the rest oh lord help us pipip etc
    Gobbles on Kairi n the morning.
    Do universities take back Phds?

  18. August 10, 2014

    When the UWP won the elections narrowly in June 1995 it was said the horses were out of the stable. I concurred.
    Now here I go again. The law of the negation of the negation is fully manifested. Students of Philosophy could not have a better ej. What do the contemporary and past Cuban grads have to say about that law?

  19. August 10, 2014

    The comments by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and the Minister of Health Mr Julius Timothy were inappropriate, unnecessary, unethical and unprofessional contributions to the national budget debate
    Mid wife Felix,: these words their suffices (are not applicable to these beings ) notice I left out the human?
    They cannot go hand in hand, incompartible as they more than lack these basic qualities.

    • August 12, 2014

      These two let alone the rest of the bandits like the opposition lack pedigree & that’s a d/can problem .A little help elevate standards.

  20. Anonymous
    August 10, 2014

    IP is a victim of what-his own political rantings? Some Dominicans will never see things for what they are. Come on Dominicans we can do better than that. Just look at things in perspective and we will realize that all of this is just politics being played by IP and UWP supporters.

  21. patcho
    August 10, 2014

    This site is in danger of losing credibility. Where in the world does news shut down for the weekend.

    This makes DNO look like a part time outfit.

    The comments are a strong part of the platform.
    Either grow to support the dynamic nature of news or one day soon you will be over on.

    Lets see if you publish.

    • Jay
      August 11, 2014

      I am inclined to agree with you. It fits in with a pattern of “no news” on weekends. Nothing on the local T.V. channels, or radio and hardly any editing on DNO between friday p.m. and monday a.m.
      Also, I suspect the server capacity of DNO is woefully inadequate to deal with the amount of traffic that is trying to get on to the site, especially during the day. Maybe it has fallen victim to its own success. At any rate I would ask the owners to expand capacity and improve the speed and frequency of editing. DNO has become a lifeline to Dominican society. Thank you.

    • Justina
      August 12, 2014

      My name is Justina Timothy and I support this comment..

  22. Oh Yes
    August 10, 2014

    Well written. Dominicans with objectivity and an open mind will appreciate your support for the doc and healthcare professionals by extension. The overall benefit s fr the country. Thanks for your bravery nurse.

  23. shaka zulu
    August 10, 2014

    Rosie Felix you have my highest respect. It only takes a spark to get the fire going. When the legendary MLK was asked what got him going he said that if Rosa Parks could defy the segregation and sit on the bus why can’t he.

    People need to speak up

    • .
      August 11, 2014

      This is hardly Rosa Parks fighting for racial equality my friend-this is a doctor trying to solidify his position in a party he hopes will win the next general elections. We, the people are not stupid and we realize what is happening. The opposition has stepped up its political campaign and are trying to make the government look bad. I am the first one to say we are not perfect but putting things in perspective we are doing better than most in our region. Dominica does not exist in a vacum and the grass is not greener on the other side. At present the world economy is in crisis. We have made great strides in every aspect of our economy and we have the data to back it up. Dominica is the best it has ever been. Dominicans open your eyes.

      • shaka zulu
        August 11, 2014

        Sound scripted. Seems like that is what was written for you to say. I have heard the PM utterd the same words. Yes we are not perfect and should strive for perfection. If you have the data why don’t you use it to back up what you said. Put the stats and references. I hope it is not data similar to the PM travel info put out last time by state auditor.I understand development is a gradual process and things take time, but after 14 years nothing has been put together to set Dominica on solid foundation. Please deny the PM wealth had grown exponentially compared to the rest of the country. With all the millions pumped in infrastructure we had negative growth. Mark u those millions were not in budget so they should have significantly increased GDP if handled wisely. You must be living in to much red dust so you cannot tell the difference between upward level and downward level. Throw the script away and bring in all the data from the region and then we can talk bout it.
        By the way tell me how you plan on building 1500 homes on 10million, which would make that 6.6k per home.
        Let me know who is stupid when you done.

  24. Doc. Love
    August 10, 2014

    Spear the rod and spoil the child is typical of what is happening in Dominican’s political circles, in particular, the DLP. What ever Skeritt says or does, it is always ok with the labor party supporters and other individuals who have benefited in term of favors from him. Take for instance, on the animal show, have you ever heard Tony or Alick advising Skeritt about his actions or even apologizing for his comess, but you have heard Mr. Lennox Linton, who has recently got involved in serious politics. Dominicans though sorry, should not be surprised at the barrage of mapuis which were pelted at Mr. Linton and Dr. Eipigh Pascal, in all places, madam Knight’s house. It is said Dominicans have fowl’s memory, but they cannot forget the blows like old clothes on Dominicans like Dr. Savarin, Garraway Hotel Manager, Mr. Arthie Martin, Senator Monell, Mr. Julius Timothy when he was Minister of Finance in the UWP Government, Mr. Brian Alleyne to name a few. Dr. Pascal, please don’t allow Skeritt’s ridiculous madman behavior stand in your way as regards bringing health care to Dominicans. I am sure UWP Team Dominica under the leadership of Mr. Lennox Linton will have no hesitation as regards employing you as the next Minister of Health.

    • Think
      August 11, 2014

      “Spear the rod and spoil the child is typical of what is happening in Dominican’s political circles, in particular,”the UWP. Whatever Lennox says or does it is always ok with the UWP supporters and other individuals who hope to benifit if the UWP wins the election. The UWP operative on Q95 continue to make excuses for Lennox and now they are defending Dr. Pascal. Dr Pascal has the right to his opinion and I thought he could take care of himself but I was wrong.@doc love you have the Doc as the next Minister of health and that is a political popsition base on that why should PM skeritt ignore his writings. His opinions are clearly anti government again that is his right…but we cannot continue believe that when certain people speak others must just shutup because the person speaking is a qualified prfessional and thinks he or she knows it all.

      • Doc. Love
        August 12, 2014

        Mr. Marie please collect, them DLP supporters are stealing my comments. :mrgreen:

  25. CALL IT BY IT NAME
    August 10, 2014

    I support the move to write this article in solidarity with doctor Pascal. The PM is disrespectful and out of control. I hope that people take off there party gowns and see this for what it is. Mr. Skerrit thinks he can bully everyone to worship him. He is not JESUS CHRIST. He is out of place but this is not the end of his savage attacks. We must remain resolute to stand up to him. He has brought Dominica into a sorry state.

  26. King Skerrit
    August 10, 2014

    Yes, yes, yes!! I second this wholeheartedly. More of us need to continue to speak out and stand in solidarity again this cabal of blatant crooks, liars and deceivers.

  27. hmmmm
    August 10, 2014

    Say what you want, this is a good article with a lot of clear perspective offered.

  28. Born free
    August 10, 2014

    I support Nurse Felix. Dominicans have become a bunch of cowards who seem afraid of a political renegade and some greedy and corrupt senior counsels who are a disgrace to the legal fraternity. This government is using intimidation to stay in power and are capitalizing on the ignorance of the poor. Rise Dominicans it’s not too late your save your country from destruction.

  29. Mitch Reader
    August 10, 2014

    Thank you for this accurate and informative article. It has been viewed in Germany.

  30. Anonymous
    August 10, 2014

    Great article!! We’ll said.!!

  31. Maturity
    August 10, 2014

    “It is a fact that several health professionals who critique, raise concerns, or even suggest solutions in workplace forums or in their professional associations are victimized, marginalized,ostracized, penalized, bullied, transferred, denied promotion and or are criticized in a personal way for doing what is their professional, ethical and moral duty.”

    While Dr IP could have found better chanels to address his issues, it must be noted this practice of workplace bullying, so well described by Mrs Felix, is very prevalent, especially in the private sector. Unfortunately, some employees just do not have options to move on and others may enjoy what they do and do not want to move on.

    Hope this situation can be amicably resolved with the appropriate apologies from both Dr IP and the PM.

  32. JoJo
    August 10, 2014

    Doc. , hold your head up high. The comments made are more reflective of the people who made them than they are of you. Obviously, you have rankled their conscience.

  33. Objective
    August 10, 2014

    Nurse, you are brave and you’re what we need professional people to do. We need them to support each other , especially when it is for the right reason. I ,once again, applaud you and hope that you are not treated as dirt but as someone who has an insight on what is really required and definitely should give recommendations on the best way forward. We must hold our professionals accountable for whatever happens and,therefore, in order to that, they have to shake off old leaves from the trees. Hats off to you for supporting a fellow professional. We need to hear from others. One thing I think is that a qualified person should be confident to say and do what must be done,even when it hurts. The key is to do it the right way.

  34. change must come
    August 10, 2014

    well said nurse felix. I applaud you for your courage. we need more professionals like you to speak the truth. stay strong and God is on our side.

  35. Shameless
    August 10, 2014

    Thank you nurse Felix! May god continue to protect and bless the good Doctor. That is another reason why CHANGE IS A MUST!

    Assertive, NOT Agressive!

  36. joan
    August 10, 2014

    well said and excellently written

  37. true thing
    August 10, 2014

    magee

  38. DA4real
    August 10, 2014

    I read Dr. Pascal commentaries and I listened to the Hon. Prime Minister’s statements. Why would you consider Dr. Pascal’s commentary to be professional and the Honorable Prime Minister unprofessional, unethical, unnecessary and inappropriate? Your perception does not make it that way. Couldn’t be that the PM felt that Dr. Pascal’s commentary was an attack on his administration for which he Dr. Pascal serves and so should hold some accountability? Dr. Pascal did not only make a healthcare commentary stating the problem and offering solutions, he stated his observations in a sort of psychological political sway. The IPO and many included in his commentary is not part the healthcare system. Why include it? So it was not only a criticism of the healthcare system No where in PM’s statements did he say that Dr. Pascals commentary was untrue. What I notice though is that he is asking Dr. Pascal to take some responsibility for the decline in the health care system and cease to comment on what he knows about him. Is something wrong with that? The comments were not vile. Healthcare professionals need to be held accountable. Too often I hear of the treatment from staff which in most cases unprofessional and maltreatment. People don’t complain about good things. People are allowed to respond to commentaries.

    • zag
      August 11, 2014

      Making the comment using the protection of parliament is the issue.

      • JoJo
        August 12, 2014

        Man, I agree with you. Venting these comments under the protection of parliamentary privilege is cowardice of the highest order. Especially mr. Skerrit’s skin is too thin. When Danny Lugay alluded, in a recent sitting of the House, to the P.M. not presenting his passport to the court the P.M. jumped up protesting loudly that ti the opposition member was accusing him of impugning improper motive, without little interference from the Speaker.. Of course he was but that is exactly why the House enjoys such immunity. It is another thing altogether using that privilege to vilify someone on the outside, who does not enjoy the same status.

      • August 12, 2014

        Zag I agree 100% the underlying issue all the politicians use it.
        Now with the advent of the Neo-DLP it was just taken to the next level. As time goes by it negates the first/former .UWP DP under Mamo was no better. It just sinks to a new low each passing political season. Eddie was Ig Medard makes him look good, and so for Mamo & PJ it’s lie 22/7.
        Miraclesoccur once in a while like June 95 it can happen again seeing all the BS from this hybrid Gov’t Savarin as President ,Medard as P.M in a Neo DLP administration
        who knows were may just get what we deserve as a silly nation P.M Linton and President James and boy look ig!
        Then a new cycle.

    • Observimg
      August 13, 2014

      Did you bother to read the nurse’s article properly? Did you read the part that says that when people make recommendations in professional forums they are marginalized, criticized, and basically forced to shut up? Keep trying to spread your lies but in time to come when no one will fight for your rights for you and your children’s rights to a good health care system, you will know. God is not a joker, he doesn’t like to be mocked. All things will be revealed in time to come.

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