Absent pharmacists cripple NWRHA drug services

A release from the NWRHA said as a result of the "apparent action taken by pharmacists and pre-registered pharmacists," its health care facilities throughout the entire region, which served more than 50,000, were affected.

The release quoted NWRHA executives as saying that the impact was "extremely critical, with even in-patient services being severely affected." It added that the limited dispensing of drugs also impacted on the service of doctors and the level of care to patients.

The absence of the pharmacists was a demonstration of their continued refusal of the Government’s offer of a "responsibility allowance," that is, 25 percent of their basic salary.

However, the pharmacists will go back to the negotiating table later this week, when their representing body, the Public Services Association (PSA), meets with the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) to hammer out a more suitable offer to the pharmacists.

When Newsday visited the outpatient dispensary at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital (PoSGH) yesterday, a sign informing patients that the pharmacy was "closed until further notice" was posted on the door. However, at least 12 persons were patiently awaiting service. One woman from Enterprise, Chaguanas, was prepared to wait, despite the notice and the closed door. She told Newsday she was optimistic, because "I saw them take up about five prescriptions." Another man from Piarco told Newsday he was at the hospital to visit someone, but he took the time to see if he could get his prescription filled. He said he was at the dispensary on Monday and saw the same sign, but he was also hopeful that he would be served yesterday.

The NWRHA said pharmacies at the St Ann’s Hospital and the St James Medical Clinic were opened until 3 pm yesterday.

Following Health Minister John Rahael’s announcement last week of the Cabinet’s approval of the "responsibility allowance," outpatient dispensaries at several health institutions remained closed as an indication of their dissatisfaction.

First vice-president of the PSA, Stephen Thomas, said it was not good enough.

The allowance is intended to be an interim increase until the PSA and the CPO agree on the reclassification of pharmacists to a higher salary range.