Latest update January 20th, 2025 4:00 AM
Wismar Hospital termite-infested, lacks essential drugs, security lighting
By Enid Joaquin
The termite-infested roof
The Upper Demerara Hospital, also known as the Wismar Hospital, is facing a litany of problems, including termite infestation, a collapsing ceiling, lack of essential drugs and water, and inadequate security lighting.
These issues were highlighted during a recent meeting between the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and officials from the Linden Hospital Complex.
Regional Chairman Rennis Morian who spoke with Kaieteur News shortly before the meeting said that the hospital needs to be brought back to its former glory, hence a decision was made to engage the relevant persons to seek ways to address the problems at the institution.
Acknowledging that there is a work programme for the facility for this year, Morian acknowledged that some of the major issues would have to wait, as those were not catered for in this year’s budget.
“We are looking at the whole general condition because our focus is to bring back the kind of healthcare we enjoyed at this hospital years ago,” Morian said.
One of the areas we are looking at is the availability of drugs at both hospitals. We are not aware of the system that is in place for the purchasing and distribution of drugs, but what we want to see at any given time, is that we at least get seventy five percent of all the necessary drugs that we need to keep this hospital running.”
Morian stressed that more than that, what needs to happen is that while there might be twenty five percent of stocks in storage, requisition should be “actively” on the way to Georgetown, because at all times the hospital should be one hundred percent ready.
According to CEO of the Linden Hospital Complex, Dr. Farouk Riyasat, rehabilitative works have been done year after year on the hospital’s ceiling, but it collapses soon after, as it cannot withstand the weight of the PVC pipes and other components enclosed in its cavity.
He said that major rehabilitation is required to rectify this. As regards the drug situation, Riyasat said that the hospital is currently 57 percent out of stock.
“Whatever drugs that come to the Linden Hospital Complex we share with the upper Demerara Hospital. As you know, the drug situation affects all the hospitals.
Some of the drugs not in stock include Lasix, Ibuprofen, Panadol, Captopril, Neomycin and bacitracin creams and antibiotic ointments. A number of other drugs are also not available.”
Dr. Riyasat disclosed that despite requests, these drugs have not been recently supplied, as they were reportedly not available.
The operations at the hospital are also affected by inadequate potable water and Dr. Riyasat said that water is sometimes transported in ‘black tanks’ from the Mackenzie Hospital, with the fire service also assisting on occasions.
The CEO appealed for the installation of more lights around the perimeters of the hospital because the compound is very large. There are some flood lights but over the years those have become damaged.
He expressed satisfaction with the meeting which he noted provided an opportunity to highlight the challenges facing the facility, identify solutions and determine who would be tasked with doing what in efforts to rectify same.
Services at the Wismar Hospital have declined considerably over the years. This has resulted in residents on the Wismar shore routinely crossing the river for the same service at the Mackenzie Hospital.
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