It is a new year, but the lack of essential medications, a situation that prevailed in 2017 at the Suddie and Oscar Joseph Hospitals in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), continues unabated.
PPP/C RDC Councillor Arnold Adams
This is according to People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) member Arnold Adams, who told Guyana Times that essential drugs were still in short supply.
During an interview with Adams, who is also the Chairman of the Health and Sanitation Committee within the Region, he said it was appalling to know the quantity of medication that is not available at the hospital pharmacies.
Adams said simple injections that were used in the operating theatre for major operations were lacking and whenever enquiries were made, he is often told that numerous requests were made to the Materials Management Unit (MMU) and those drugs were not sent.
The Health and Sanitation Chairman said that this year, more medical outreaches have been planned and as such, the hospitals must receive their requested quantities of medical supplies on time.
“When there is not enough drugs at the hospital, then patients are forced to make private purchases; this is a burden to them since many cannot afford it,” Adams said.
Adams also explained that when there were shortages at the two main hospitals along the Essequibo Coast, the health centres especially in the riverine areas suffer.
The Health and Sanitation Chairman says he is calling on relevant authorities to look into the drug shortages within the Region and make the necessary arrangements for 2018. (Indra Natram)
