THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the Nation’s provider of Health Services, wishes to respond to the Stabroek Newspaper’s article published on Tuesday, September 18, 2012, under the caption, “Taxi driver injured in drive-by shooting.”

The Stabroek Newspaper reported: “Last evening, shortly after 10pm the man walked out of the GPH compound complaining loudly over the treatment he had received. He said he was taken to the hospital by the police with ‘this AK bullet in meh foot and up to now, two hours after I can’t get treatment.” Mr. Rodrigues’ allegation about not receiving treatment is erroneous.

Mr. Rodrigues was triaged by a Nurse at the Accident and Emergency Unit at 20:05hrs on Monday September 17, 2012. He was further examined by a doctor who immediately ordered medication and requested an x-ray. The medication was administered and the x-ray was conducted. Mr. Rodrigues, upon return to the Trauma Room, was told that he will be further examined by the general surgeon. While in that room, Mr. Rodrigues proceeded to use his cellular phone. The attending doctor simply asked him to use his cellular phone in the sitting area while awaiting the general surgeon. Mr. Rodrigues, who became annoyed and verbally abusive to the doctor, got to his feet and unceremoniously stormed out of the hospital.

GPHC wishes to express that the institution does not deny medical treatment to anyone. It should also be noted that we have zero tolerance for the meting out of disrespect to any staff member.