Georgetown: Incompetence and political directives instead of advice from medical experts and professionals are causing hospitals countrywide to suffer, according to healthcare professionals who requested anonymity because of victimization.
It was revealed that the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is ill equipped to deal with the surge of Covid-19 cases. Four persons have since died of COVID 19 and they have all exposed medical professionals to the virus.
“The Health Ministry has ‘dropped the ball’ with COVID-19, and there is no excuse why that happened other than pure incompetence, carelessness, callousness and an inability to grasp the seriousness of this virus and the economic implications it would have should an outbreak happen in Guyana,” one doctor said.
“Basic supplies needed at the hospitals are not there, but the former Minister would not say anything about this, she is focusing on elections instead,” one doctor said.
Medical professionals noted that important roles like the Minister of Health should never be appointments based on political merit, rather, should be an established leader with the background and track record to understand the importance and seriousness of disease control and response, including what logistic measures ought to be in place based on data models and forecasting.
GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), retired Brigadier George Lewis explained that “based on an international analysis of what’s happening around the world, you will see that it starts small and increases…for instance, Italy and so on and it is only likely that Guyana will have to be prepared for the same.”
He added that the hospital is making every effort to ensure that it is prepared to deal with an influx of cases if necessary.
“GPHC has put measures in place including screening and triage areas. We have also arranged to attend increases in patient numbers,” the CEO stated.
Further, the Hospital is making staff safety a priority. Brigadier Lewis said that “our staff have been undergoing training sessions, including in the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
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