After five years in charge of doctors at the San Fernando General Hospital, medical director Dr Anand Chatoorgoon has been replaced by the board of the South-West Regional Health Authority.
Chatoorgoon, who has been outspoken on issues affecting patients at the hospital, will be replaced with the head of the Cardiology Care Unit, Dr Pravinde Ramoutar. Both Chatoorgoon, Ramoutar and CEO of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) Dr Stephen Ramroop applied for the vacant post and were interviewed last week.
Chatoorgoon was informed yesterday that he was not successful in the interview and told the T&T Guardian that he would be finished clearing out his office by today. He acted as medical director between 2009 and 2011 until his contract was not renewed following comments he made over the dismissal of former SWRHA CEO Paula Chester-Cumberbatch. Chester-Cumberbatch was fired during the furore over the maternal death of Couva mother, Crystal Boodoo-Ramsoomair.
Chatoorgoon was reinstated in 2013 but after being suspended less than a year ago, was placed on a month-to-month contract. He also acted as Director of Health following the departure of Shevanand Gopeesingh whose contract ended in April.
As for his future, he said he will continue his profession as an anaesthetist and look for new opportunities in healthcare. He said he will also “throw his hat in the ring again” with respect to the SWRHA.
“The hospital belong to the Ministry of Health and the board of the SWRHA, there was an interview and I applied but they informed me that I was unsuccessful. I have done an excellent job in this chair, my telephone number is up in the emergency department and labour ward so people who had concerns about doctors not attending them could reach me for help,” Chatoorgoon said.
His concern now is whether his successor would have enough time to dedicate to the position of medical director, given his role at a cardiologist and operates a private practice.