MPATT: Drug shortage affected surgeries

The Medical Professionals Association of TT (MPATT) yesterday refuted the reason given by Head of the Anaesthetics Department, Dr Anand Chattergoon, for elective surgeries being cancelled on Wednesday. In a television interview, Dr Chattergoon said a morning meeting called by Medical Chief of Staff, Dr Austin Trinidade, for the Anaesth-etics Department encroached on the time allotted for surgeries. In a media release, MPATT said the primary reason for the cancellation of operating lists on Wednesday was the shortage of the drug Anectene, which is essential for surgeries, general anaesthesia and emergency cases. “The meeting held for anesthetics officers was not called by Dr Trinidade, it was in fact requested by officers of the Anaesthetics Department to address the ongoing problems of staff shortages as well as numerous other deficiencies within the department.” MPATT said the emergency meeting was called on Wednesday because Dr Chattergoon said he could not attend the meeting held last Friday.