Dear Editor,
As a citizen of Region Three, it is alarming to read about the poor state of affairs of healthcare within the region, and management of our hospitals, specifically West Demerara Regional Hospital.
Consequently, poor management and impositions of inadequate services at the said hospital continue to make headlines, raising serious concerns of a long-term negative social impact.
The Government has thus far proven reluctant to engender appropriate changes that would see this hospital return to its glory days. Perhaps it is time to review the intellectual capacity of senior management at this hospital and the Regional Administration. Do they have the intellectual capacity, proficiency, experience and expertise to manage this hospital relative to its accredited level of care? Is it time for a policy change? The answer is yes.
While there were tremendous efforts in the past to put the needs of the patients first, the performance and governance of this hospital today is unacceptable. Reactions from the public and statutory body continue to be highlighted; specifically, the perennial shortages of medication and medical supplies, allegations of patients being required to pay for services, and inadequate diagnostic and therapeutic means necessary for doctors to perform their duties. These are compelling evidence to indicate that healthcare access and delivery at this hospital are having a deleterious impact, both on the healthcare professional, on patients, and on the Region as a whole.
The lack of management’s capability was most obvious in the cases of alleged fraud and money being demanded for health services from subordinate staff. Why does it take the intervention of the Ministry of Public Health, and not the Hospital Administration/Regional Administration, who are directly responsible? Isn’t this tantamount to poor governance, accountability and leadership of the hospital?
To those who wish to disagree, the problem of poor performance is not all due to inadequate allocation of resources, but is clearly evidence that a management problem exists. It is therefore logical to conclude that the discipline of Public Health in Region 3 has reached its lowest, with both levels of administration being incapable of managing the WDRH.
It is time for our Government to make hard decisions, and get qualified professionals to manage this hospital.
Yours faithfully,
Name withheld
