NASSAU, BAHAMAS – In my view The Public Hospital Authority (PHA) is doing a grave disservice to the good people of The Bahamas. I fail to see or appreciate any good that it might have done since it’s creation by legislation some years ago. That body was designed and set up to ensure the smooth flow and delivery of medical and health services across our wonderful nation. It was also announced when it was first established that the PHA WOULD be subjected, over all, to the Ministry of Health & Wellness.
Whatever the original mission statement would have been, it is now clear that the PHA is more of a hinderance to good health and medical care and may, in fact, be a clear and present ‘danger’ to the nation and her people at large. It seems that every week a horror story pops up about incidences within our health care systems and facilities. Who is in charge at the PHA and how long has that individual held that office? What are the individual’s qualifications etcetera?
A few years ago, a young wife and mother allegedly died at the PMH following a childbirth. The widower has launched legal proceedings so we are prevented from detailing the circumstances until the matter is resolved through the lengthy court process. A new born baby , according to evidence now adjudicated upon, was left unattended and subsequently died while in PMH…..never ever left the hospital with his mother and dad!
PHA has decided to pay the amount awarded and ‘LEARN’ from that experience, albeit at taxpayers expense. I personally know of a sad case involving another young wife. She was admitted to PMH for what she and her husband thought would be a routine medical procedure. She was administered certain drugs prior to the operation.
She suffered a bad reaction to the same and ended up with five (5) toes on one foot being amputated. She’s lost her very good employment position and is now confined to a wheelchair, with absolutely NO INCOME or any sort of proposed ex gratia settlement. Litigation is beyond her meagre financial means!!
This unfortunate matter has been brought to the direct attention of the humane Prime Minister and the erstwhile Hon. Michael Darville (PLP-Tall Pines), Minister of Health & Wellness by myself and the young lady’s husband. They fully expect justice along the way.
Several other issues seem to be troubling the PHA and its management team. Allegedly the kitchen at PMH has been inoperative since last year. On a regular basis, the central air conditioning at both PMH and The Rand over in Freeport breaks down. The other day, there was severe flooding at the entrance to the ‘new’ addition on Elizabeth Avenue due to the non existence of the appropriate barrier or door. The Morgue used to be troubling for the dead and the living.
I invite the most compassionate and sympathetic Prime Minister, ever, to please rise to the occasion , along with Minister Darville, to bring clarity and effectiveness to Public Hospital Authority. There are far too many indigenous Bahamians dying through no fault of their own while many who are supposed to be in charge, making life and death decisions are seemingly incompetent; negligent or worst. To God then, that Great Life Giver, in all things, be the glory !!
– Ortland H. Bodie, Jr.
