RADHICA DE SILVA
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Calls are being made for the Ministry of Health to upgrade conditions at the Pleasantville Health Centre.
Between 50 to 60 patients are tested on Mondays at the centre.
However, when Guardian Media visited the facility, staffers were observed working under deplorable conditions.
During torrential rainfall, staffers had to use buckets to catch water from the leaking roof.
Two young doctors, who administered the tests, stood under a tent while water gushed inside the tent, soaking the floor and presenting hazards to staffers and clients.
Part of the roof was hanging loose. There was a tent set up for COVID tests. The mainstream health centre area remained haphazardly separated from the COVID testing zone with sheets of plastic.
Staffers were observed moving the plastic sheets to speak to each other. No washroom facilities were available, although a wash station was set up.
A pensioner who came for tests said, “I feel sorry for the workers here. This is not fair to them. The least they can do is provide a proper working space for these people.”
The testing began at 9 am and even though chairs were spaced three feet apart along an uncovered walkway, there was no shelter when the rains began beating in.
Guardian Media sent a message to Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh on Monday, asking whether anything will be done to alleviate the deplorable conditions.
However, he did not respond to questions.
The Pleasantville Health Centre is one of four testing centres in south Trinidad.
Testing is also done at Princes Town Health Facility, Siparia District Health facility, Accident and Emergency Department of San Fernando General Hospital and Mayaro District Health facility.