The Tribune

By CHESTER ROBARDS

Tribune Senior Reporter

crobards@tribunemedia.net

THE Public Hospitals Authority refuted claims by opposition leader Dr Hubert Minnis that the Princess Margaret Hospital has a shortage of the Asthma medication albuterol.

Dr Minnis said Tuesday that the smoke emanating from the dump fire which has been burning since Friday, can trigger asthma. He insisted that the hospital does not have sufficient quantities of albuterol to deal with possible attacks as a result of repeated fires.

“The smoke,” he said, “is bad for so many reasons. There are a lot of individuals with medical allergies and it can also cause bronchitis and other respiratory problems.

“At this time, there is a medical shortage of albuterol, which is used to treat asthma attacks. The smoke can lead to an increase of asthma attacks for the people in the immediate surrounding areas and the shortage of the medication can cause a serious problem. Something has to be done.”

However, the PHA said that the albuterol is in stock and available in all forms for the treatment of its patients.

“The PHA also wishes to assure the public that the drug is available in full supply at clinics throughout New Providence, in particular those in clinics that may be located in areas affected by the smoke from dump fire,” they said in a statement released yesterday.
“The Authority wishes to assure all clients and the public at large that we also pay keen attention to environmental factors that impact the health of Bahamians and residents.”

Dr Minnis, who is also the Member of Parliament for Killarney, said he received numerous complaints about the smoke from his constituents, especially in the Lake Cunningham area.

The PHA said it is capable of treating “any respiratory cases associated with the city dump”. “It is our express hope that we have allayed any fears associated therewith,” the statement concluded.