An investigation is expected to get underway soon in Region One. This is according to senior
officials closely associated with the Region who disclosed that there is evidence that a lot is
wrong within the Region One Health Sector. Multiple sources said that Region One like Region
Ten has been plagued by allegations of financial impropriety and corruption.
However, several health care professionals speaking to this media house,
www.aroundtheregons.com have made several complaints about the manner in how the RHO, Dr
Steven Cheefoon continues to treat health care professionals. The calls for his immediate
removal from the region have increased with several stating that they may petition the Ministry
of Health soon.
However, a source who requested not to be named, disclosed that recent evidence paints a
picture of in-depth corruption taking place in the region. The source disclosed that the RHO
informed them that he was purchasing several crocs for health care professional at Moruca. It
was revealed that when the boxes with the ‘alleged’ crocs arrived it was found that some of the
boxes contained several high-end cell phones. Evidence provided to this media house indicates
that something is amiss with the purchase, taking into consideration the significant monies that
were reportedly spent.
“He indicated that he was purchasing 100 crocs but when we checked some of the boxes
accidentally, we found that several cell phones were purchased instead. This is evidence of
corruption and something has to be done immediately. It begs the question as to who is
facilitating this level of corruption within the region, we want answers and we hope that the
investigation will provide the answers,” a doctor within the region said.
The doctor disclosed that for too long several health care workers have been afraid to speak up,
stressing that the previous REO ensured that they were not only victimized but discriminated
against those who chose to speak up. The Medical Doctor said that many are only now speaking
because they are hoping that with a change in administration something will work out for those
affected. They reportedly have shared their concerns with both the Regional Chairman and the
Regional Executive Officer but are awaiting action on the issues. “We have complained to the
Regional Chairman and the REO and we are hoping that immediate actions are taken as the
region’s health care is being destroyed by the actions of the RHO who feels that he is
untouchable. Whatever impression and or authority that was given to him by the previous REO,
he seems to think that he can control everyone, and this wouldn’t work,” a health official
declared.
A source at the Ministry of Health confirmed that there are several reports of financial
impropriety and other complaints made against the RHO. The source confirmed that the
Regional Chairman and others have indeed raised issues with regards to the spending on several
items by the RHO and requested that an audit be done. “What I can say is that the Regional
Chairman and others have requested that an audit be done, because there are several issues
relating to the spending by the RHO. We are awaiting the required decisions and actions, but I
cannot comment further, as these are sensitive issues,” the source said.
Attempts to contact the RHO, Dr Steven Cheefoon proved futile.
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