Khan dismisses the critics and says PM entitled to have healthcare paid for

The Prime Minister is entitled to get his medical costs paid for.

That’s the view of former Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan, following public criticism that Dr Keith Rowley received treatment recently at a private medical institution instead of at a public facility.

However, in an interview with the Newsday, Khan came to the PM’s defence saying anyone who could have would have done the same.

Khan said “If a politician wants to use a private institution for things like cardiac function, there’s nothing wrong with that. If he doesn’t choose to go to a public institution, that’s their choice. It’s not to say that they figure it’s bad and it’s this and it’s that.”

He said Cabinet ministers were entitled to this and according to the Salary Review Commission (SRC) the PM is entitled to get his medical costs paid for treatment wherever he desires, though he requires Cabinet approval for treatment abroad.

Khan said “When you are entitled to something there is nothing wrong in using it, so why should a politician go to a public institution to show camaraderie with a person who can’t afford to go private?”

He added “Everyone who is bawling that he should have gone public – if they had the choice they would have gone private, but they can’t afford it, but go public.”