Deposed GPHC Chairman reveals attempts to hide drugs shortage situation

Guyana’s premier public health institution, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), is faced with a protracted drugs shortage challenge. This state of affairs was yesterday amplified by Dr. Carl ‘Max’ Hanoman who during a press conference held at his Brickdam, Georgetown clinic, attributed the situation to political interference.

Dr. Hanoman up to Wednesday was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the hospital. But he insisted that during his tenure as Chairman he was not able to operate independently because of interference from Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton. Dr. Hanoman was appointed to the position of Chairman earlier this year after Dr. Noel Blackman who was initially identified for the position of Chairman was found to be involved in an indiscretion linked to his United States-based medical practice. Tuesday press conference came on the heels of Dr. Hanoman’s receipt of letters from the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Public Health, Mr. Trevor Thomas, and Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, informing him that the life of the Board had come to an end effective November 30, 2016. Dr. Hanoman said that he had received these letters one day earlier.

While Minister Norton urged in his letter to Dr. Hanoman that projects such as the appointment of a Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO), which was initiated by Dr. Hanoman, be left to a newly appointed Board, the Permanent Secretary hinted that he (Dr. Hanoman) was not likely to return as a Board Member by wishing him “success in his future endeavors.”

(Kaieteurnews.com)