PM Gonsalves disappointed with theft at MMC in Georgetown

The Prime Minister has expressed his disappointment at incidents of theft at the Modern Medical Complex (MMC) at Georgetown, and has asked those responsible to find a way to put the items back.

Dr Ralph Gonsalves commented on the matter on We FM on Tuesday, May 15, stating that the theft at the facility, which has not yet been commissioned, was awful and quite distressing.

The Prime Minister disclosed that a few weeks ago, chairs which were intended to be used for patients in the accident and emergency area were stolen and that most recently, sheets, pillows and a few other small items were taken.

Gonsalves said the Ministry of Health had reported the first incident but after the second theft occurred he had requested the intervention of a very senior police investigator.

“The matter is self evident as to why we would all, right thinking persons, be disappointed. Those persons who have taken the items; stolen them, find a way to return them. That is just what I wanted to speak on….I just don’t understand what would have gone through somebody’s mind.

The facility which is to benefit every body, a facility which we have been taking so much care to put together for the people; that we have one or two ultra selfish people who would do this sort of a thing,” Gonsalves said.

He explained that only persons who work at the MMC have access to the facility. He said watchmen secure the premises at night, but not during the day.

The MMC has been under construction for more than a decade and over the past months there have been increased efforts to have it commissioned. In particular, dialysis equipment has been tested and an entire dialysis wing has been set up, with staff being trained.

In addition, approximately 25 Cuban medical professionals have already arrived in the country to work at the facility.

In April, Gonsalves said on the We Fm that the name of the facility would be ‘The Georgetown Smart Hospital and Modern Medical Centre’ and will house the Georgetown clinic, Georgetown Smart Hospital and the Modern Medical Complex.