Griffith surgeon Dr Narayanan Jayachandran, known locally as ‘Dr Jaya’ has called for residents to join him at a rally this weekend.

The rally in Griffith’s Banna Avenue on Saturday is in support of the split away from the larger Murrumbidgee Local Health District.

Joining Member for Murray Helen Dalton MP, Dr Jaya is one of the rally organisers, alongside Bill Calabria, Robert Fattore and Brendan Catanzariti.

Ms Dalton has been vocal in her views – in NSW Parliament and within the electorate – that a split will benefit the people of Griffith, Hay, Balranald and Wentworth.

“We demand a fairer, locally-run health system that puts patients first,” organisers posted on social media.

Above: Rally organisers have shared the image above, urging the public to join

Dr Jaya penned an open letter to the community earlier this week.

“Dear friends,

“Once again Griffith is on the threshold of something momentous. On 13th August 2017 we staged a rally and won a hospital for Griffith. 

“Eight years later that hospital has opened its doors to our community but the big problem is that we are not allowed to deliver services the way we want. A lot of what we demanded for the new hospital was denied. 

“The reason - Wagga Wagga holds the reins of power.

“The head office of the area health service since its inception over 25 years back first as the Greater Murray Area Health Service, then Greater Southern Area Health Service and finally as the MLHD has been in Wagga Wagga. All the funding has to come through them. They control everything. 

“Griffith lost control except for when we won this new hospital. And that happened because about 1500 people gathered in the memorial park and said “We need a new hospital “. 

“Once again, we need our community to stand up and say “We have had enough! We want control back in Griffith. We need to SPLIT!”

“We lost our laundry, kitchen, blood bank, CSSD, palliative care service and so much more. We have been fighting for orthopaedics and mental health services non-stop to no avail."

The rally will take place this Saturday, September 20th, at 12 noon at the Memorial Park, in Banna Avenue Griffith.

“Is the time for Griffith to take a stand,” Dr Jaya said

“Please spread this message to all your friend and family, workmate and neighbours and any others you meet.  

“Be there. We need you. Together we will succeed.”