Plan to deal with pharmacist shortage

The North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) yesterday said measures would be implemented to deal with the shortage of pharmacists at the dispensary of Port-of-Spain General Hospital (PoSGH) which has resulted in members of the public having to wait several hours for service. While not disclosing details, communications manager for the NWRHA, Charmaine Codrington, told Newsday the problem should be alleviated by the end of this week. An estimated 600 people visit the dispensary daily to obtain medication. A worker at the hospital told Newsday the shortage was due to the salaries offered by the NWRHA. He said they were being paid the salary of a “clerical officer” and not a pharmacist. At 10.05 am yesterday, the sign on the door of the dispensary said the last number called was A14.  At 10.20 the security guard began calling from A20.

Several people surrounded her asking  when more numbers would be distributed. She told them only one pharmacist was working and was dealing with the numbers distributed earlier in the day. “Who choose to wait have a seat, or come back later or tomorrow morning,” she said. Henry Abraham, a pensioner from Diego Martin, has been trying to get his medication since Monday. He sent his daughter to get a number for him on Tuesday, but the distribution of medication was suspended. The sign posted on the door of the dispensary stated that no more numbers would be given. Newsday learnt that up to A95 were given out. Abraham said he got A85 yesterday. Another pensioner said she left her home at Arouca at 5.30 am to arrive early to attend the Clinic and get medication from the dispensary. “I did not sleep last night, I have the virus, I am suffering from hypertension,” the 71 year-old said.