Chatoorgoon vacates the chair

WITH a smile on his face, Dr Anand Chatoorgoon yesterday left the office of the Medical Chief of Staff of the San Fernando General Hospital after acting in the position for the last two weeks. “It wasn’t always easy, it was even frightening at times,” Dr Chatoorgoon admitted to Newsday as he packed his files and belongings to vacate the office. Two weeks ago, Dr Chatoorgoon took up duties as Acting Medical Chief of Staff upon request from the Ministry of Health. Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry, Hamid O’Brien, requested he fill the position in the absence of Dr Austin Trinidade, who was asked to go on compensatory leave.

Dr Chatoorgoon said that he had written a letter to the ministry expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to hold the post and informing them that he would be willing to act again if called upon. “I had tremendous support from my superiors, from the Ministry of Health and the South-West Regional Health Authority. In particular, the acting PMOI Dr Deepak Mahabir and the Chief Executive Officer of SWRHA Vade Mohammed who were always available to listen, guide and advise.” Dr Chatoorgoon revealed that his major challenge in his two-week stint was keeping SFGH on track during the doctors’ impasse, which ended last Monday.

“On my second day, a pregnant woman came in bleeding and I had to find doctors to attend to her. That was a frightening experience. Otherwise, during the impasse I think I was able to get through to the doctors that I had a job and a role to play and that I too am a doctor. That it was my duty and responsibility to ensure health service and care to poor and needy.” Dr Trinidade is expected to return to his duties as Medical Chief of Staff today.