Overview:
On Tuesday, Feb. 18, the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Georges Wilbert Franck, put in a brand new director common on the Office Accident, Illness and Maternity Insurance coverage Workplace (OFATMA). Agronomist Vikerson Garnier succeeds Dr Carl François who had held the reins of the establishment for practically three years.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI — Haiti’s Workplace of Insurance coverage for Work-Associated Accidents, Sickness, and Maternity (OFATMA) has undergone management modifications. Final week Vickenson Garnier, an agronomist specializing in forest administration, was appointed as the brand new director common of the establishment, changing Dr. Carl François.
Current reviews on native media point out that the nomination has sparked discussions amongst well being professionals, with some expressing considerations concerning the potential political motivations behind the appointment. Garnier has no recognized administration expertise apart from having been a politician and former parliamentarian. He’s an ex-deputy representing Thiotte, a district within the Southeast Division.
Within the final two years, gang violence and instability have compelled the closure of quite a few hospitals, together with the State College Hospital of Haiti (HUEH) and the Chancerelles Maternity Hospital, The continued operation of OFATMA is significant to offering important medical companies to the neighborhood.
OFATMA is a public well being establishment that primarily serves public establishment staff. It offers medical take care of workplace-related accidents, common healthcare, maternity companies and social safety advantages. OFATMA operates beneath the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MAST) system. It’s a part of a broader public community of hospitals that goals to supply accessible care to staff and their households.
The Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Georges Wilbert Franck, put in Garnier at OFATMA’s headquarters in Tabarre, northeast of downtown Port-au-Prince. He succeeds the skilled medical physician, François, who led the establishment from March 2022 to February 2025. A number of staff of the establishment, together with the director of social safety, Joubert Rochefort, attended the ceremony.
“I’m positive that with Vikerson Garnier, the OFATMA system might be nicely managed,” Minister Franck mentioned in a speech throughout the set up ceremony.
Garnier, for his half, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé’s authorities for the belief positioned in him and warranted OFATMA’s stakeholders that he would work with them and advocate for his or her pursuits. He promised to create a supportive work atmosphere for the workers.
“We haven’t come right here to show every little thing the wrong way up,” the brand new director common said. “We’re going to take a distinct strategy and be sure that OFATMA is environment friendly and efficient in offering care and social help to public staff and their relations.”