“A public relations stunt”.
That’s how several Twitter users are describing a photograph with Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton surrounded by healthcare workers which was posted for July’s celebration of Health Workers Month.
In the photograph uploaded on Friday, July 1, Tufton is the only person looking directly in the camera, while the other individuals did not directly look in the camera.
That photograph appeared on Tufton’s personal twitter account.
“July has been declared Health Workers Month. Let’s all make an effort to say a special thank you to all our health care workers – for their dedication and sacrifice, particularly responding to the COVID 19 pandemic. Many activities planned. Reach out if you can!” tweeted Tufton.
Another photograph featuring the same individuals appeared on the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Twitter page and was shared by Tufton.
The faces of all individuals in that photo were directly focused on the camera.
However, it’s the photograph with Tufton alone focusing on the camera lense that had several persons, to include medical practitioners, outraged.
“This is an apt piece of PR. Minister literally centering himself and giving his best blue steel to the camera, while underresourced, overworked HCWs look off in the other direction perhaps wondering how best to make next month’s salary stretch,” tweeted @jagpratar3.
“Minister wants to be the centre of attention. Look at the pic. Better you pay the HCWs well instead of trying to Market yourself…” commented @dentona22.
Joining the commentary, too, was Twitter user, @hillside81.
“I know Tufton wouldn’t use healthcare workers for his PR stunt, knowing they are underpaid and under resourced,” the tweet read.
@DamnItsKhari, in reacting to the photograph, wrote: “This kinda crazy considering lot of my friends and I unemployed as such month start.”
@Partnershipfor4 tweeted: “Seems like this pic is more about you, sir.”
“With respect, the only ‘Thank you’ that matters, is a ‘livable wage’,” @saintnyla tweeted.
“OMG just give us a raise & better benefits! Mi tired of the photo ops & useless gestures!” said @ASILG713
Weighing into the discussion, @@vanguardjunior stated: “Dr. Tufton, the intention is good but could we take the funds spent on telecomms sending us a “Thank You HCW” text msg; TV ads; radio stations doing HCWs big ups; event planners; drink & food distributors; and instead, reward HCWs with additional cash to use as they see fit?
“Awards are great but let’s invest even more in their long term well-being,” he added.
@ImaniCaldwell07 used her tweet on the photograph to highlight the purported conditions at Cornwall Regional Hospital.
“So not sure if you know Mr. Minister but amm the OTs at Cornwall aren’t cooling, the Ct and X-ray machine is down, some departments are operating with one and two residents and the list goes on. You can thank us by giving us adequate resources to work with. Thank you,” she tweeted.
Aside from the criticisms, there were congratulations for the hard-working healthcare workers island-wide.
“Happy Healthcare Workers Month,” tweeted @tkmsingh.
Tweeted another, “Huge big up to all our health workers!!!”
