Pitfalls from shortage of equipment

THE EDITOR: It is standard practice that all illnesses and deaths are reviewed for both cause of illness/death and possible preventive measures. Whenever a cluster of illnesses and deaths occur, it is always cause for concern. When the Minister of Health denies that the deaths did occur, smiles at the situation, remarks that babies die every day and then wants to launch an investigation to see who is to blame; just shows the insensitivity of the situation and the man. And then try to gain publicity points by demanding that all neonatology units be sanitised immediately is just another reactionary decision, without thought and planning.

Suddenly, the authorities find instant money to hire a janitorial company to sanitise the ward. I am sure the regular cleaners are only equipped with mop and broom, with little or no training and were unable to obtain better cleaning equipment. But this is limited to the surroundings. For the janitorial company will have no experience in the cleaning, disinfecting/sterilising and maintenance of equipment. What about the equipment? It is usually the duties of nurses and nursing assistants to clean and disinfect/sterilise the equipment. One must remember that there is only 40 percent of the nursing staff, compared to the 80s. One must also remember that there is a chronic shortage of equipment and resources. Sometimes the only one piece of equipment has to be quickly washed, without disinfection or sterilisation, so that it can be used on the next patient. Hence, in the rush from one patient to the next, with all limitations and shortages, pitfalls may occur. The Health-care workers’  motto at present is that it is better to half treat a patient than to offer no treatment at all.

Local staff has been begging for more equipment and resources, as well as better remuneration. The Minister of Health has since stated that it is cheaper to hire Cuban and UN volunteer doctors, whom he will specially register with his appointed panel. More equipment and resources will not be made available to local staff. However, the Minister of Health has stated that he will ensure that all equipment and resources are available for use by the Cuban and UN volunteer doctors and nurses. The answers to our health care woes are: Improved remuneration to re-attract local staff, both old and new; increased healthcare budget to four percent of GDP; more equipment and resources, that are of the highest standard; better management and less corruption. The janitorial company may also help to clean the RHAs, possibly wipe them from the face of the earth.

 Philip Ayoung-Chee
 Port-of-Spain