There is a warning today from the medical fraternity that continuing patient care in Barbados could be in jeopardy, with doctors scheduled to meet in emergency session next Tuesday at 5 p.m. to determine their next move.
The Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) is gravely concerned that Government’s proposed legislation for use of a tax clearance certificate as a requirement for registration could affect patient care.
“If you can’t register, that would have implications for patient care,” BAMP’s public relations officer, 
told Barbados TODAY in a brief comment that followed an official notice that was sent to all doctors inviting them to the meeting in Marigold Room, Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
“This important meeting will allow us to update you on the implications of this proposed requirement for professional medical practice; inform you of the response of other professional bodies and will determine BAMP’s position on the matter going forward,” the notice states.
The letter, signed by General Secretary Dr Manohar Singh, also informed the medical practitioners – members and non-members – that their input at “this very important meeting” was required.
“This issue,” BAMP cautioned, “is not a trivial one, as it affects all physicians in public and private practice alike and has implications for the continuing care of patients.”
BAMP said it had received official correspondence from the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) with respect to the tax clearance certificate that is required for registration of professionals in 2016.
That correspondence, signed by BRA’s Manager for Customer Services Angela Durham, informed BAMP that all professionals seeking to renew their licences, will now be required to produce a tax clearance certificate from the Authority.
In order to facilitate the new requirement, the Authority is requesting that the medical association notifies or reminds its members and that they make the necessary application for clearance in a timely manner.
“We are asking your support in requesting that your members bring their statutory obligations up to date, be it registering with the BRA or bringing their filings and/ or payments up to date,” the notice said. (EJ)