Santo Tomas Hospital still in crisis

THREE MONTHS after major problems were highlighted at Hospital Santo Tomas, home to Panama’s medical and nursing schools. it remains in crisis says a new report.

Doctors and patients continue to log complaints over issues such as a lack of medical supplies, missing drugs and maintenance issues. reports La Prensa.
For example, there is a lack of prosthetics, plates and screws for orthopedic operations.
The shortage is due to procurement processes that require many steps, coupled with delays in the obtaining of proper permits by suppliers.
Portable air conditioners have to be used in some rooms due to the lack of maintenance in the air conditioning system which has been the source of problems over several years.
Another irregularity is the accumulation of garbage in the halls. Red hazardous waste bags are in view of patients, families and doctors.
The hospital’s Association of Specialists, which issued the initial report on problems at the facility last April, has reiterated its call for the situation to be addressed reports La Prensa.
Association President Julissa Rodríguez said that a meeting was held three weeks ago to discuss the issues, and the doctors were told that a lack of resources was the primary problem.
“They informed us that the debts to some providers have declined, while others are in the process of delivery,” said Rodriguez.
Another problem is a lack of space. For example, there are 40 patients currently being treated in an AIDS ward that was designed for 20.
A medical specialist, who requested his name not be used, said there are patients who require hospitalization but who are kept in the emergency rooms due to a lack of beds.
Minister of Health Francisco Javier Terrientes said he is aware of the problems, but they must be addressed by the hospital’s Board of Trustees reports La Prensa.
Medical Director Angel Cedeno said that purchases are made quarterly, and it takes between three to four months to address shortages.
He said the hospital has reduced its debt to suppliers from $18 million to $5 million. He said there should be an improvement by the end of the year, and will gradually improve as purchasing is streamlined.