The original article can be found in: Trinidad Newsday By AZARD ALI
Dr Anand Chatoorgoon has been selected to return as medical director of the San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH).
After two years of absence following the refusal by the South-West Regional Authority (SWRHA) to renew his contract in the midst of the Chrystal Ramsumair affair in 2011, Chatoorgoon returned to private practice.
Chatoorgoon, a consultant anaesthetist who worked at the hospital and acted as medical chief of staff when five doctors were suspended over the death of Ramsumair in March 2011, is expected to take up the position next month.
Yesterday, Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan described Chatoorgoon as an individual who “has his approach in the right place.” A specialist anaesthetist, Chatoorgoon is expected to take up his position on April 1.
Newsday learned Chatoorgoon was chosen from among four doctors who applied for the job and who were interviewed by a panel of doctors and human resources personnel from the SWRHA. The authority is headed by gynaecologist Dr Lackram Bodoe.
Chatoorgoon declined to comment yesterday about being returned to head the hospital where he worked as a consultant anaesthetist for 32 years, during which time he spoke out on issues affecting patient care. He said, however, that he had not been officially informed that he had been chosen. “But if it is in fact so,” he said, “I am very thrilled and excited. I will work with the same dedication, devotion and commitment as I did in the past.”
