Organisation Was Not Removed: Health Minister, Statement Clarify
‘From what the medical superintendent has briefed me on, they [IWA] have not been told that they were kicked out’
The Ministry of Health & Medical Services is claiming that there was no decision made to remove the International Women’s Association (IWA) from the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH).
This was after the IWA president Judy Compain expressed her concern and disappointment in a letter to the ministry.
However, Minister for Health Dr Ratu Antonio Lalabalavu said any allegations of malicious intent to remove IWA are unfounded. Dr Lalabalavu when asked outside Parliament yesterday acknowledged reading the statement. “From what the medical superintendent has briefed me on, they [IWA] have not been told that they were kicked out,” he said.
He added the organisation’s projects at CWM Hospital remained intact and they would have to work with the medical superintendent. “We have not given any directive for them to stop work.”
In a press release yesterday evening, the ministry echoed the line minister’s sentiments.
“We only requested them to temporarily halt their projects as we collaborated with the Board of Visitors (BOV) to finalise guidelines for donations and support of the CWM Hospital,” the statement stated. “Our utmost priority is ensuring all fundraising efforts are conducted transparently and with accountability. We have been informed of fundraising activities locally and internationally by philanthropic organisations to assist CWMH. While this is greatly appreciated, we must regulate and ensure these activities are genuine.”
It further stated IWA had raised funds for CWM Hospital and continued to do so.
The CWMH BOV is legislated to work with donor agencies to partner with the Ministry for the Hospital’s Good as stipulated in the Public Hospitals and Dispensaries Act. “We acknowledge the numerous works carried out by IWA in the hospital, as aired on social media by Ms Compain, and we understand that they were done in the true spirit of goodwill.”
IWA letter
In a letter from Ms Compain to the ministry, it stated IWA had worked tirelessly to assist the hospital and had made significant transformations.
“We have received a letter informing us that the Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services has approved measures to restrict our involvement with the CWMH,” Ms Compain said.
“These measures include CWMH not engaging with IWA for any project, putting any current project on hold, and not using the name of CWM Hospital for any fundraising drive.
“For the record, we have not used the hospital’s name to fundraise, and have had a very successful fundraiser as we are a trusted organisation whose work is visible and transparent, and our donors can see where we’ve spent our money.” She said the mention of a “donor policy and fundraising document” being prepared by the BOV raises questions about its intentions and whether it’s attempting to restrict support from organisations like IWA.
Ms Compain questioned the role of the BOV in preparing such a document for the ministry and whether it aims to limit the assistance from IWA.
“The BOV’s role is to ensure the hospital’s maintenance, repair, and beautification and equip it with the necessary technology to provide high-quality care,” she said.
IWA has requested a review of the BOV because “there is no way they have the maintenance and repair of the hospital under control.”
She also requests the review of all contractors and the TOR (Terms of Reference) for contracts.
“Cleaning contractors, laundry contracts, maintenance contractors, etc.
“If you wish to scrutinize IWA who are volunteers, then we expect you to pay more attention to those who are paid for by taxpayers.
“We have invested heavily in the hospital and have raised our concerns on the state of the bathrooms, the cleanliness and hygiene standards and sadly these have been ignored.”
The Board of Visitors (BOV) chair Dr Esther Williams did not respond when this edition went to press.