Some misconceptions in your CHI article

May 31, 2015 Letters

Dear  Editor,
In your edition   dated 23/05/2015 entitled “ Allegations surface of deliberate move  to shut down  CHI” I wish to clear up some misconceptions
1.  Representatives from the Cardiac team CHC Medcorp from  Trinidad  went to visit the facilities of CHI at GPH and the  CEO  informed us  we had to obtain permission from Dr.  Gary Stevens.  We then met with his Secretary who phoned him for the necessary permission but he refused, although the facility is owned by the People of Guyana.
My information about CHI leads me to believe that CHI is being managed as a private concern  and if one does not have the  necessary funds cannot elicit  any  treatment  there.  Some cases are however paid for by the Ministry of Health.
2.  We sought to have a relationship whereby anybody can have  evaluation and  treatment regardless of affordability as obtains in  Trinidad, but got no response from the Minister  of Health and  former President Ramotar.
3.   A hybrid machine is to do peripheral arteriogram and if necessary the required peripheral by pass not coronary (heart) bypass.  This is a waste since there is no vascular surgeon in Guyana.
4.  A HYBRID CATH LAB HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH  HEART SURGERY
Cardiac surgery is done in a specialised unit and is not meant  to be done in a hybrid theatre.  All you need is a good operating theatre which would have,  a good cardiac catherization laboratory with  attachments  for assist  devices and a good cardiac team which comprises, cardiac  surgeons,   cardiac anaesthetists,  perfusionists , intensive care specialists, cardiologists  invasive and  non invasive.
A  cohesive team is necessary and not one or  two individuals with sporadic visits  catering for  only a section of the population who can pay which is untenable.
Hughley  H. Hanoman, FRCP, FESC