Opposition Leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has sharply criticized the government following reports of severe shortages of basic medical supplies, including common intravenous (IV) drips, at the national hospital.
Addressing the reports during a broadcast, Gonsalves argued that the failure to provide essential healthcare supplies is a direct consequence of the administration’s fiscal strategy.
Responding to concerns that patients and families are being forced to purchase fundamental medical items out-of-pocket, he contended that the government is attempting to stabilize state finances at the expense of vulnerable citizens.
“If you seek to balance the books on the poor, the working class, and the middle class—we know you can’t balance the books and unbalance the country,” Gonsalves stated.
Characterizing the current administration as a “government of scarcity,” Gonsalves criticized officials for focusing narrowly on managing shortfalls rather than stimulating economic expansion. He contrasted the current healthcare and economic situation with his former administration’s management during successive crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, volcanic eruptions, and severe droughts.
Defending state borrowing to support public welfare and healthcare infrastructure during crises, Gonsalves reiterated his core policy stance: “I prefer DEBT than DEATH”. He emphasized that borrowing to save lives and maintain essential social safety nets remain far better than leaving hospitals under-resourced.
Gonsalves further warned that hospital supply issues are occurring alongside broader cost-of-living pressures, including rising fuel costs, food inflation, and stagnating incomes. He urged the government to abandon fiscal austerity, strengthen the social safety net, and provide direct support to public institutions and citizens on fixed incomes.
