By Mark DaCosta- Dr. Mark France, the Chairman of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), has publicly admitted to being involved in a case of medical malpractice, which led to a two-year suspension from practising medicine. The admission, made during a recent press conference, has sparked public discourse, especially in the context of his recent statements relating to ethical conduct and his vocal criticisms of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and its handling of electoral matters.
During the Friday press conference, Dr. France confirmed that he was found culpable of professional misconduct in 2016, which resulted in his suspension from the medical field from 2016 to 2018. Although he acknowledged the misconduct, he refrained from divulging specific details about the nature of the incident. However, he confirmed that the Medical Council had found him at fault, and the case had been adjudicated by Justice Jo Ann Barlow.
Despite admitting his involvement in the matter, Dr. France sought to downplay the significance of the misconduct, calling it a matter that had “been laid to rest” and stressing that it was a past issue that had been resolved. Yet, his minimisation of the incident has drawn attention in the press, particularly from sources close to the situation. According to an unconfirmed report the case was more serious than Dr. France’s remarks implied. According to an anonymous source, the case involved misconduct, including forgery.
Medical malpractice refers to any professional misconduct or negligence by a healthcare provider that leads to harm or injury to a patient. It can include errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or health management, often resulting in significant consequences for the patient involved. In this instance, although Dr. France did not specify the exact details of his misconduct, the fact that it was significant enough to lead to a suspension for two years suggests it was a case of concern.
Dr. France’s admission is especially poignant given his recent outspoken criticism of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Only days before his press conference, he condemned GECOM for allowing a joinder list Member of Parliament (MP) to occupy a seat in the National Assembly for over a year without proper validation.
Dr. France labelled the situation as having “serious implications” for the integrity of Parliament, pointing out the potential meşru and constitutional ramifications of such an error. The contrast between his sharp criticism of GECOM and his own admission of professional misconduct raises questions about accountability and the standards to which public figures are held.
It is unclear whether Dr. France’s medical misconduct will affect his political career, but his handling of the issue will likely continue to attract attention. His attempt to downplay the significance of the suspension has sparked debate, with many questioning whether his past actions could undermine his credibility in his role as a political leader. Given the serious nature of medical malpractice, and the high standards expected of those in positions of power, Dr. France’s position as an executive member of ANUG may face increased scrutiny as the public reflects on his past conduct.