Speaking at the closing session of a meeting of his Ministry's Hospital Council, Garrido said the ills that must still be combatted in the sector include lack of hygiene and cleanliness in the hospitals, long waiting times, poor attendance, and illicit charges imposed on patients by unscrupulous staff.
"We have to improve hygiene in our hospitals, reduce the time patients wait before they are seen, and wage a battle against illicit charges", Garrido urged.
He added that the quality of clinical work in the hospitals must improve, as must the coordination between medical professionals and the community, and financial management.
Garrido said that the basic maintenance of health units was ineffective, and sometimes non-existent. This was a serious concern, since maintenance was fundamental to ensure the durability of hospital infrastructures and equipment.
The Minister demanded greater responsibility and professionalism from hospital managers in order to impose respect, and ensure that hospitals are orderly places.
He noted that some workers do not accept the changes under way and these "malcontents" include all categories, ranging from doctors to cleaners.
"The last two years clearly show that not all workers are in agreement with the changes under way in our hospitals", he said.
"There are workers who vigorously oppose the changes, in word and in deed".
He was sure that such workers were a minority, but he stressed that their behaviour was facilitated by "the weakness and passivity" of many hospital managers who tolerate lack of discipline, and do not demand compliance with the legislation and norms in force in the country.
SOURCE: AIM
