DOMINICA- The Dominica government expresses concern about temporarily suspending surgeries at the main hospital.

ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC -Health Minister Cassanni Laville has expressed his “deep concern” at the decision of authorities at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital to “temporarily suspend “elective surgery from Monday.

In an internal memo to doctors signed by the hospital medical director, Dr. Ruby Blanc said that the decision to suspend the surgery was “due to diminished supplies of pethidine as well as spiral needles.”

Health officials say pethidine is “used for the relief of moderate to severe pain for which alternative treatments are inadequate.

“Some minor surgical cases and cases involving the lower limbs “may be able to be accommodated. Any elective surgeries being requested must, therefore, be discussed before submitting names, with Dr Beck Jno Baptiste OIC, Anesthesia, Dr. Blanc wrote in the memo that is being circulated on social media,”

She said that the doctors would be “informed as the situation is rectified,” adding that significant efforts are being made to remedy the situation.”

But in a broadcast on the state-owned DBS radio, Laville said he had to “express my deep concern that decision of this magnitude directly impacting patient care was made without proper consultation and approvals.”

He said that the legislation governing the hospital’s operations, the board of directors’ primary function is to coordinate the administration and operation of the Authority.

“Notwithstanding, it’s the bard’s responsibility to make recommendations to the Minister on developing the Authority and the services provided at designated health facilities. It is alarming to witness such a crucial decision being made without following established guidelines of the Act.”

He said there needed to be more communication regarding the shortage of essential medical supplies. “it also highlights an oversight in stock management of crucial supplies.

“Furthermore, the absence of documented decisions, alerts, or recommendations leading up to this situation is particularly concerning,” he told the nation, adding that he would have met with the hospital management twice in the last eight days, including one involving Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, “and not once this matter came up.

“So it is deeply concerning that I would find out about this on social media,” he said, adding that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.

“I have given a mandate for the implementation of the electronic logistic management system to be operational by February 16, and the responsible agencies within the ministry will be held accountable,” he said, emphasizing that recent incidents where drugs were urgently required had been obtained utilizing the services of the Barbados-based Regional Security System (RSS).

“These instances underscore the importance of proper oversight and communication in addressing critical matters in the health system,” he said, adding that the government is prepared to provide support in facilitating such arrangements when necessary.

Laville said given the gravity of this situation, he has urgently requested that the board, the chief executive officer, and the hospital medical director convene a meeting to address several issues, including the “unauthorized issuance of the letter.

“We need to investigate and address the circumvention of proper approval protocols in the issuance of the letter relating to hospital services,” he said, adding that the board should respond and provide feedback within two days.

“This timeline allows for prompt resolution and effective communication to address these pressing issues,” he said, adding that the current system allows doctors to conduct private surgeries in the hospital environment.

“However, under certain circumstances, it becomes necessary to temporarily suspend these private operations to meet the demands of performing critical and elective surgeries within the public hospital system, especially when stock availability is low or when there are marked increases in urgent cases.

“To avoid any misconceptions, I would like to clarify that the suspension of elective surgeries does not apply to all surgical procedures but primarily affects nonurgent procedures that can be delayed,” he said., reiterating his concern at the “unauthorized issuance of the letter and the lack of communication and oversight in stock management.”