Psychiatrist Cesar Mella announced he will not be accepting the position of advisor to the President on social security issues. He was removed on 20 February 2018, from his position as director of the Dominican Institute of Social Security (IDSS).
As reported in Listin Diario, Mella also announced he was resigning from participating in the PRD political party under PRD president Miguel Vargas. Late last year, Vargas had requested in a letter dated 13 November 2017, that he wanted to name another PRD party member to Mella’s position. Vargas had argued this was part of the ruling party’s political agreement with the PRD in order for the latter to make possible the changing of the 2010 Constitution to enable President Medina to run for reelection in 2016.
Mella responded that political parties should not be an employee club and much less a society for procuring jobs. He highlighted his difference with party leaders in a paid advertisement that was placed in a number of newspapers.
Nevertheless, in his letter of resignation he offers to work ad honorem in the urgent reforms that the social security system requires, with the priority being changes to the Law 87-01.
Another major change in the health system is that of Dr. Nelson Rodríguez Monegro who resigned on the day he learned he had been removed from his position as director of the National Health Service (SNS) and appointed medical advisor to the President.
Read more in Spanish:
Listin Diario
5 March 2018
