And that missing CT Scan Machine was one of the issues raised in the KHMH Workers Union's press release. They cited that along with that, they're also short on supplies like syringes, tubes, medicine, and more.
However, yesterday, the KHMH CEO explained that this isn't exactly so. She clarified that they do have the supplies cited in the release - apart from the CT Scan Machine, of course - and that the union's president, Andrew Baird, has been in the board meetings where these issues are discussed.
She was a bit blindsided by the release, but wanted to reassure the public that the quality of care hasn't degraded at the hospital.
Chandra Cansino, CEO, KHMH
"As an authority, we have a responsibility to reassure the public that we have what is needed to serve them so indeed some of the items that were cited in the release, we do have stocks of just about everything that was cited there and we do need to inform the public that there are no shortages where those things are concerned."
Reporter:
"Do you believe the union was being disingenuous then in that release?"
Chandra Cansino, CEO, KHMH
"I can't speak for what the union was thinking, I really am not here to pick a fight with the union, my responsibility and the responsibility of the board and management is to the people of Belize and the users of the institution and so if we feel their trust is being eroded or that they're going to cause some kind of panic related to these shortages, we have a responsibility to correct that so that's what we did."
Courtney Menzies:
"But do you feel like they are trying to pick a fight with the authority coming out with this release if it's not entirely so?"
Chandra Cansino, CEO, KHMH
"Well, we will take the necessary steps to have a dialogue with them going forward, we were not aware that this release was going to be issued and if they are going to put it to the public first then we need to respond to the public so that is what we did."
Reporter:
"In terms of the CT Scan, we know that they have been speaking about this issue for some time now, when has the ministry relayed to you that this issue may be solved?"
Chandra Cansino, CEO, KHMH
"My understanding from the ministry is that the process has already started in regards to getting the bids and I would hope that the review of those tenders will commence shortly and hopefully we will be able to get the CT in short order, I definitely cannot give you a timeline because I wouldn't be able to speak to that."
While Cansino couldn't say much about that happenings inside the union, we have received reports that three union members have quit, and there is internal turmoil, with the president in the hot seat.
