00:00In acknowledging concerns raised regarding the shortage of drugs and supplies at the Sanguigrande Hospital campus,
00:07the Eastern Regional Health Authority, the ERHA, says Health Minister Dr. Lacrambudo is currently working with officials
00:15from the National Insurance Property Development Company, NibDec, to secure supplies and has addressed this issue publicly.
00:23The ERHA made no specific reference to a complaint by Temporary Opposition Senator and PNM Deputy Political Leader Sanjeev Boudou
00:32on Monday
00:33that he continues to receive reports from citizens across East Trinidad complaining of chronic shortages of drugs and supplies at
00:42the Sanguigrande Hospital.
00:44The Temporary Opposition Senator said that most recently he was informed that all dialysis consumables, including dialysate, are low
00:52and blood tests for patients who cannot be treated without the test results
00:57and who are on anticoagulation are unavailable as necessary, causing life-threatening delays in patient care.
01:05The Temporary Opposition Senator called on the Chairman of the ERHA and the Minister of Health
01:11to address the public and patients immediately on this urgent issue.
01:15On Tuesday, the ERHA emphasized that it has dialysis consumables for continued patient care.
01:23However, as it relates to laboratory consumables, the ERHA confirmed that it has experienced supply chain challenges
01:32but points out that the authority continues to engage its suppliers to ensure adequate supply is available.
01:40The ERHA also said it must be noted that all tests are available for patients who are critical or require
01:47secondary care treatment.
01:49The ERHA said persons wishing to raise concerns directly may do so via their customer relations officers' feedback boxes
01:57or connect with them on WhatsApp 460-3742.
02:02Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
02:05Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
