The Ministry of Health and Wellness has sought to clarify reports regarding the alleged interdiction of a medical doctor employed by the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA).

In a statement, the ministry referenced a news article which suggested that the government had suspended Dr. Aujae Dixon for contesting the September 3 General Election.

Dr. Dixon was vying for the North Central Clarendon seat on a People’s National Party ticket.

He lost to the Jamaica Labour Party’s Robert Morgan.

The ministry said the article, which had a misleading headline was later corrected.

According to the ministry, the initial headline created the false impression that the government or by extension the ministry, directly suspended the individual in question.

It explained that the SRHA is a statutory body, governed by its own board of directors and empowered by law to manage its operational and human resource matters.

It added that while the ministry provides general policy guidance, statutory bodies are not subject to day-to-day direction from the central government in these matters.

The ministry said the reported interdiction stems from an alleged breach of the Public Service Staff Orders which prohibit public servants from engaging in active political campaigning while still in office.

It said such disciplinary action is the responsibility of the employing authority.