Government  of the Commonwealth of Dominica

 

GOVERNMENT PRESS SECRETARY

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

 

Telegrams:  External, Dominica                                                                                       FINANCIAL BUILDING

Telex:       8613  EXT. DO                                                                                               KENNEDY AVE., ROSEAU

Fax:         1 767  448 5200/8960                                                                                     COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA

Tel:         1 767  448 2401 Ext 3300/3279                                                                        WEST INDIES

 

 

PRESS RELEASE 31/2005

 

ESTIMATED EC$4 MILLION IN DAMAGE AS FIRE DESTROYS WAREHOUSE SECTION OF CENTRAL MEDICAL STORES AT DOMINICA HOSPITAL

 

Roseau, Dominica, March 1st 2005……..A fire on the  morning of Sunday, February 27th 2005, totally destroyed the Warehouse Section of the Central Medical Stores at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Roseau, Dominica. The preliminary cost of the damage has been put at EC$4 million.

 

All antibiotics, injectables, anaesthetic drugs and medical supplies were  destroyed by the fire.

 

In the last two days, the Ministry of Health has been in contact with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Collins and Pharmacy Sales in Barbados and the OECS Pharmaceutical Procurement Services in St. Lucia.  

 

Minister for Health and Social Security, Hon. Herbert Sabaroche has also been in contact with the Prime Minister of Barbados as well as the Minister of Health in Barbados. Dominica’s Health Minister has also been in discussions with the Minister of Health in Trinidad.

 

Dr. Harry Philippeaux from PAHO is in Barbados coordinating the provision of drugs and medical supplies lost in the fire. Meanwhile a representative from PAHO is expected in Dominica shortly.

 

The Minister of Health and Social Security has stated that despite the fire, the situation is under control and there is no need for panic. (Ends)