Dear Editor,
The recent attack on medical staffers at the West Demerara Regional Hospital should be condemned by all decent-minded, peace-loving Guyanese and the perpetrators should be brought to justice to feel the full weight of the law.
Too often health care professionals are being verbally, physically and mentally abused by patients and relatives seeking medical attention at our public health institutions, and until an example is made of these ignorant individuals then the problems will continue unabated.
If we were to fully understand the tremendous constraints and difficulties faced by our public health agencies then we would appreciate the fact that they have worked beyond the call of duty to ensure lives are saved and health is restored to the sick. In addition, this is done with limited resources.
As a serving Patient Advocate I must admit that too often there is a need for efficient services; however, because of the tremendous inflow of non-urgent cases to the emergency rooms, and the low ratio of staff to patients, it is impossible to render such services in a timely manner. However, I can bear testimony to the fact that emergency cases are treated with the utmost urgency required and lives are saved.
A call is now made to the Ministry of Public Health and to the public security agencies to ensure that health care pro-viders are protected and secure. The DPP should bring charges against those arrested and justice should be meted out to those who are bent on breaking the law.
A call is made to our health care providers to continue working tirelessly towards the improvement of the nation’s health and the saving of lives.
Yours faithfully,
Andre Fortune
