Dispensaries remain closed

Dispensaries at Port-of-Spain General Hospital (PoSGH), Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex and Chaguanas Health Facility remained closed for a second day yesterday, although Health Minister John Rahael met with pharmacists and said they had agreed to return to work. Speaking at a media briefing at the ministry, Rahael said the hour-long meeting, which started at 7.30 am, was productive and cordial. He said concerns were raised about an enhanced remuneration package, grading of pharmacists and promotion in the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA). “At the end of the meeting I requested they go back to their jobs. They agreed to go back immediately,” he told the media. Rahael blamed cancellation of a meeting by officials of the NWRHA for the action taken by the pharmacists.

He said NWRHA officials met with pharmacists on July 12 and gave a commitment to meet again on August 4, but the meeting was postponed and no reason was given and no date set for another meeting. Rahael said he intervened when he heard the PoSGH dispensary was closed because pharmacists stayed away. The NWRHA informed Rahael a meeting was arranged for next week, but the minister was not happy with this and met with the pharmacists. “All that was required was consultation, meeting with them,” he said. Rahael expressed optimism that pharmacists were back out to work and dispensaries opened for service. Contacted late yesterday by Newsday and told the dispensaries remained closed, Rahael expressed disappointment, because he was given assurances (especially for PoSGH) the service would resume. At the PoSGH dispensary, a few people were waiting for service, despite the sign on the door of the dispensary stating it would be closed until Monday.