Dr. Marvin Manzanero, the Director of Health Services (DHS) has been sent home on administrative leave via a letter from the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) accusing him of misconduct. The San Pedro Sun confirmed this incident, which comes just days after the doctor returned to work at the MOHW where he learned he no longer had an office.
According to reports from the letter, alleged misconduct allegations stem from Dr. Manzaneros’s alleging turning down an offer from the Belize Agriculture Health Authority (BAHA) to use their laboratory to accelerate testing results. The current administration believes the decision to refuse assistance from BAHA is responsible for the increase in infections as the year progressed.
The contentious issue has been heating up after Dr. Manzanero returned to work following an extended sick leave after recovering from COVID-19. Â The Department of Health Services (DHS) reportedly offered him two senior posts, one putting him in charge or the HIV/AIDS Unit amounting to a demotion. His office is now managed by newly appointed Acting DHS Dr. Melissa Musa-Diaz.
The Association for Public Senior Service Managers told the media that the MOHW is moving against the Public Service Commission. This body dictates that any changes to the DHS post need to go through the Commission, and according to reports, such process has not taken place.
