Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Dr Veerasammy Ramayya was ordered out of the compound of the New Amsterdam Hospital, by the institution’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Colin Bynoe.
Dr Veerasammy Ramayya
Ramayya reportedly went to the Hospital last Friday to investigate reports that one of the operating theatres was out of order. He was seen entering the office of the CEO for a closed-door meeting.
However, moments later, staff reported seeing the REO exiting the office with Bynoe behind him shouting that he was the CEO of the Hospital. According to eyewitnesses, Bynoe told the REO that if he needed to visit the Hospital, he should first seek permission from him.
Ramayya confirmed that he was ordered out of the Hospital compound, but did not divulge more information.
In April, Chairman of the Regional Health Committee, Haseef Yusuf reported that there had been several complaints issued against the CEO who allegedly has been verbally abusive to visitors and staff of the institution.
Yusuf also alleged that there was also a report that the CEO had physically abused a doctor at the institution. Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton has advised that the doctor report the matter to Police.
The issue was raised at a recent Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meeting and Director of Regional Health Services Jevaughn Stephens defended Bynoe saying that the doctor was not assaulted.
“I investigated a matter which was proved not to be true, the same doctor came and said he is sorry because of his interpretation of the issue. I personally called the Police and told them to expect the doctor to come to make a report. I did that from my office in front of the ‘complainee’ and the other guy.”
The matter had also been reported to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon on April 22, during the Ministry of the Presidency Outreach Programme at State House in New Amsterdam.
However, Stephens said he was now forced to deal with several other matters involving the CEO. “There are several complaints of a said nature. I can assure you that these complaints are being taken seriously. Before I came here this morning, I had to deal with a said complaint. I have engaged the Minister of Health and his Ministry to deal with that matter. There is nothing that comes to my desk or my office that I intend to push under the carpet.”
Regional Chairman David Armogan had also asked the Public Health Minister to investigate the matter involving the REO.
