OVER the years, the government has made massive investments in the health sector. However, the poor quality of varying services offered at the Suddie Public Hospital on the Essequibo Coast remains an underplaying issue which needs to be addressed urgently.

One major problem which remains unresolved is the proper administration to the sick and disabled patients visiting this hospital. Frustrated relatives, disabled and sick patients in the wards and outpatients department unit cannot get drainage bags which is required because of their medical conditions for the past four months.

The actions of those employed to work and oversee the operations of the store defeated the entire purpose of this unit which was designed to give prompt service to patients.

There have been numerous complaints and emails sent to the subject ministers by me about this situation, yet there seems to be nothing  done to help the plight of the sick and disabled, especially the poor people who invariably flock the Suddie Hospital for these items, since they can’t afford to buy or import them from outside of the country.

I strongly condemn this. This is so wrong, as what happens to those people who cannot afford this? It is worrying.
The long queues of patients like sardines in a tin at the outpatient department are sickening. Even at the other offices within the hospital, when you are given an appointment at 9 am, you think you are going to be seen at 9 am? It is sad when you get there and find out that there are about 50 other patients in front of you. Why can’t the hospital work in an organised manner with appointments for patients? Most of the officers feel as if they are doing you a favour by issuing these drainage bags and taking care of loved ones.
It is my fervent hope that our President, who has been advocating for better health care, kindly note some of the sick and disabled concerns and realise that not all is as rosy as it seems…
For too long there have been avoidable excuses at this hospital due to negligence. Sadly, every time you hear of a poor patient’s plight, the patient or their family are always the ones to be blamed. It’s never the hospital or its mismanagement. While, the government has made some important strides, the health sector as a whole have many barriers to progress. Perhaps, the most serious impediment is the huge patient care system problem which we in Guyana are faced with.