– Chairman says ‘only right’ that Khan was called back to work

By Navendra Seoraj

IN HIGHLY dramatic fashion on Friday last, Michael Khan, embattled Chief Executive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) was reinstated to his position, then booted, then ordered to his desk or face a motion by the board to dismiss him.Within this uncertainty, Khan told the Sunday Chronicle that he hopes to be at his desk come Monday morning; or, in his words, “Insha’Allah” (If God wills).

After a discussion held by the Board following the completion of an investigation, the Chairman of the Board, Dr Max Hanoman, wrote a letter to acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Sheik Amir, informing him that a decision was made to reinstate Mr. Khan. The substantive CEO was then sent a letter on Friday last, instructing him to resume duties.

But when he turned up for work, the Sunday Chronicle understands, he was summoned by Public Health Minister Dr George Norton and informed that he had not been reinstated.

However, in defiance of the minister, GPHC Board Chairman Dr Hanoman later instructed Khan to occupy his office, or else he would move a motion at the board level to have him dismissed.

As a result, Khan, moved in and out of his office, made a couple of calls and left for the day (Friday), a source told the Sunday Chronicle.

The CEO is usually off duty on weekends, and so it remains to be seen what will play out on Monday.

Michael Khan has been CEO of the GPHC for a number of years, before being sent, on September 9, 2015, on administrative leave to allow for investigations to be conducted into the operations of the institution. Mr. Alan Johnson, who formerly headed the New Amsterdam Hospital, was tasked with acting in the capacity of CEO in Khan’s absence, He is now on leave.

It was always held that Khan’s return to the job would be determined by the findings of the investigation. This was Dr. Hanoman’s contention when he spoke with this newspaper on Saturday.

“Khan was sent on leave to facilitate the forensic audit… When the findings were released by Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma, nothing criminal or fraudulent was found against him.”
Therefore, Dr. Hanoman added, no serious issues cited in the report debarred Khan from resuming duty as CEO of the GPHC; so it is “only right” that he be allowed to return to work.

Dr. Hanoman said the GPHC Board has decided on the matter, and he contends that it has nothing to do with the authority of the Health Minister. He said the Directors thought about what was in the best interest of the hospital.

“If things are moving, let (them) roll and get the hospital going… but things cannot get up and running unless I get the cooperation of everyone,” Dr. Hanoman stressed, as he indicated that he has no “preconceived agenda” and intends to remain free and fair.

The Chairman also posited that his intention is to seek justice for those who were wronged, and to ensure that everyone has a fair chance at defending themselves.

He referred to Chief Matron Collene Hicks being sent on administrative leave in order to facilitate an investigation into allegations of insubordination and obstruction of the proper delivery of health care being levelled against her.

“If nothing fraudulent is found against her, she will also be back on the job… We must look for a fresh start, and stop the head-hunting,” Dr. Hanoman asserted.

Minister Norton could not be reached for comment on Saturday.