Sharon Anderson
After weeks of sustained fire by the Pharmacists’ Association of Belize, the Ministry of Health called a press conference this morning to allow C.E.O. Peter Allen to answer serious allegations being made against him. In essence, it appeared to be a show of unity for the embattled C.E.O., who has been of all sorts of unpleasant scrutiny lately. Much of the attention has been spawned by the appointment of Danini Contreras and the subsequent decision to allow three other person, including Contreras, to approve the entry of pharmaceuticals through Customs. There is much more, like allegations that Allen is undermining the integrity of the health system for his own personal agenda. There is the accusation that he is using his authority to frustrate and victimize Chief Pharmacist Sharon Anderson. It’s a certified mess. Today, Allen went on the offensive. He told the media that he has problems with Anderson because he can’t stand slackers.
Peter Allen, C.E.O., Ministry of Health
Peter Allen
“Consultancy mechanisms are an important part of any system. There can be no real issue with multiple signatories for the entry of medical supplies certifying that the items being imported are as per contract terms or part of a list for duty exemption. There is no technical issue here, and of course any accusation that it supports special favours for anyone can be met with the argument that having only one person with such power is worse. As just one recent example, the Chief Pharmacist wrote to suppliers on the fourteenth of November 2013 informing them that there would be no processing of Customs entries and pharmaceutical importation permits between the sixteenth of December and first January. After various complaints this letter was withdrawn. But really, why should there be only one person authorized in the entire country to sign something which is clearly not technical or related to any type of inspection of goods. Mrs. Anderson and I do not agree, and this affects the working environment, but this has nothing to do with the principal objective and the tasks which need to get done. I freely admit that I have a low tolerance for inefficiency and poor productivity. I am human and when I see some people not pulling their weight and placing an increased burden on the others in the system or worse, affecting our patients, well let me say that yes, it becomes very frustrating. But to accuse me of somehow having some kind of a vested interest in the procurement of pharmaceuticals is utterly false. To undermine the integrity of the supplies management process is also simply unfair. Further, to accuse me of in any way wanting to be authorized to sign for the importation of controlled substances is not true and appears to be designed to deceive and mislead.”
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