Skeldon Hospital A&E staff ends sit-in over drug shortage

Physicians at the Skeldon Hospital’s Accident and Emergency (A&E) department returned to work on Monday afternoon following a sit-in over a shortage of drugs or medical supplies to treat the A&E patients.

In a statement from the Ministry of Public Health, it was noted that a stakeholders meeting was held on Tuesday where Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr Javaughn Stephens confirmed that miscommunication led to the incident.

Dr. Stephens confirmed that no one informed the hospital and regional authorities or their bargaining agency, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), about a shortage of drugs or medical supplies, the Ministry said.

The RHO said some of the medical items were handed over Tuesday morning to the A&E department and the remainder will be given “before the week is out”.

The Ministry said the industrial action caught them by surprise.

Director of Pharmacy, Oneil Atkins said the Hospital has “some 60 percent of the drugs” needed to function.

He is adamant that Monday’s ‘sit in’ by A&E physicians was unwarranted and their claim of a serious shortage of drugs which hampered their work “was a gross misrepresentation of the facts” according to the statement.

He admitted, however, that there is a “problem with medical supplies” at the Region Six medical institution.

The problem, Atkins is quoted as saying, is created by inadequate forecasting, the first step in planning which leads to the accuracy of anticipated needs, by Skeldon Hospital officials.

To ensure there is no recurring problem, the staff of the Skeldon Hospital will be “beefed up” and two additional qualified pharmacists are recruited and posted to serve the Region while another will be stationed permanently at the Skeldon Hospital Pharmacy.