The Tribune

THE Bahamas Doctors’ Union has raised concerns about the state of the South Beach Clinic, claiming that the air-conditioning and ventilation system in the south wing of the facility has been “erratically non-functional” for months.

The union claimed public health officials have turned a “blind eye” to the problems.

“The south wing is where ambulatory adult care, chronic non-communicable disease education and dentistry are performed,” the union said in a press release.

“On average, the doctors and the dentists see up to 200 persons per day in the facility, which now places us in a difficult situation and we would like to express our concerns to the powers that be. And one could argue that the last days of summer are upon us, but there is something to be said about basic human comforts.

“This issue is not by any means insignificant either. This facility is a major thoroughfare for an increasing cross-section of our population that is seeking the care touted in the NHI legislation. This is an issue of healthcare strengthening.”

The union said it has made attempts to follow the proper channels to get the matter resolved, including reaching out to the Ministry of Health, but it is still awaiting resolution on the problem.

“Apart from that there are also the issues of the dentists who have to function without tools - a number of instruments (are) not in place for them to carry out their functions,” the union said. “They too have expressed concerns and have carried their matters to leadership without satisfaction. How long should we tolerate this lack of respect no demonstration of empathy or concerns for the professionals or the Bahamian people? Enough is enough.

“We suggest that the matter is dealt with (and) in the interim patients be directed to the Flamingo Clinic and any other nearby facility.”