The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) says it is deeply concerned about the shortage of drugs and medical supplies at hospitals, health centres and health posts throughout the area.
In a statement yesterday, Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said that based on reports received, in excess of 80 items comprising tablets, injections and suspensions are unavailable at health facilities in Region 2. Frequently used tablets such as Ibuprofen, Paracetamol and Captopril are not available, he said.
For months various health institutions have complained that drugs have been in short supply.
The RDC said it rejects the Ministry of Public Health’s delay in accepting that there was a shortage of drugs and medical supplies nationally.
“Had the Ministry meaningfully engaged the RDC of Region Two rather denying the drug shortage, this situation could have been addressed earlier much to the satisfaction of the people”, Ramdatt said.
At the last Statutory Meeting of the RDC, the statement said that actions by officials from the Ministry of Public Health were condemned since the leadership of the region was not consulted regarding investigations into missing drugs at the Suddie Public Hospital.
Subsequently, staff attached to Suddie hospital were arrested and in a haste, public statements were made against those staffers, Ramdatt added.
