PNC/R alarmed at Cesium Unit storage
Guyana Chronicle
October 31, 2003
People's National Congress/Reform has expressed alarm at the potential public health crisis created by the improper storage of the Cesium 137 Unit, which was donated by the Central Islamic Organization (CIOG) some four years ago.
The unit was donated to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for the treatment of cervical cancer patients.
According to the PNC/R, phyisicist Petal Surujpaul, by report dated March 3 2003 to Dr. Madam Rambarran, highlighted the potential public health crisis that was created by the improper storage of the Ceisum-137 Unit.
Executive Member of the Party Deryck Bernard noted that Ms. Surujpaul reported of constant exposure of visiting members of the public and staff members of the hospital to harmful radiation that could lead to eventual death.
According to him, she also highlighted the total lack of information and safety gear and associated equipment that would ensure safe use of the equipment by the hospital staff.
"At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the GPHC held March 26 2003, Dr. Madan Rambarran informed the Board of the situation surrounding the Cesium - 137 Unit. It is alarming that Dr. Rambarran reduced the matter to the absence of delivery records and packaging list. Consequently this matter was not treated in the proper manner by the Board" Mr. Bernard stated.
"In fact the major concern expressed at the meeting was whether the CIOG would make claims on the equipment when it started working. No investigation was launched to determine the extent of public exposition to radiation, the number of deaths due to cervical cancer as a result of non use of the equipment; or who was responsible for this maladministration" he added.
The PNC pointed out that a number of recommendations were made after the discovery of the radiation leaks, and it is unclear if they were put in place - namely.
* The GPHC Administration was required to put in place caution tapes and signs warning of possible radiation exposure.
* Demarcation of a boundary range no less than 15 feet from the Units.
* Its current location (old Paediatric Ward) is an unacceptable storage location since people travel this restricted area on a daily basis without knowledge of any distance restrictions.
The party is posing a number of questions to the Health Minister including, What steps were taken to contain the leak.
* What efforts were made to prevent exposure of the radio active material
* Why was this kept a secret when the lives of many Guyanese have been put in danger.
* Was there any circulated information to staff and daily users of the Hospital
The party said that it views the situation as a national disgrace that must not be swept aside, noting its concern of the health of the nation and also repeated its call to President Jagdeo to dismiss the his Health Minister in national interest.