APNU Seeks Urgent Probe Into Nurses’ Complaints

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is calling for an urgent investigation into what it describes as troubling reports of mistreatment, unfair labour practices, and deteriorating working conditions affecting nurses attached to the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

The statement was issued during Nurses Week in Guyana, which is observed annually during the week of May 12 and culminates on International Nurses Day. International Nurses Day is commemorated each year on May 12 in honour of Florence Nightingale, widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing. The observance recognizes the contribution nurses make to healthcare delivery, patient care, and public health while also drawing attention to challenges affecting the profession.

In its statement, APNU said it was “deeply disturbed” by allegations concerning the treatment and employment conditions of nurses employed under Region Three.

“The allegations presented are troubling and cannot be ignored,” the coalition stated, adding that many nurses were reportedly afraid to speak publicly due to fears of victimization or losing their jobs.

According to APNU, nurses raised concerns over what “appears to be unfair labour practices and possible violations of their rights under the laws of Guyana.”

Among the allegations outlined were claims that nurses placed on pensionable service were informed they would not be entitled to annual leave in 2026, despite assertions that the transition process was never properly explained to them.

The coalition also pointed to reports that leave allowances had been denied, some nurses were allegedly asked to refund leave allowance payments already received, and others were reportedly receiving only uniform allowances.

“Additionally, the withholding of the April double salary, with explanations that nurses must ‘work to earn’ it despite years of continuous service since 2023, raises serious questions that demand immediate clarification,” APNU said.

The opposition grouping further expressed alarm over reports suggesting that some nurses who were required to take leave during or immediately after training in 2025 may now be expected to work for nearly twenty months without proper leave.

“If it is true, this would be unacceptable and potentially contrary to labour laws and public service regulations,” the statement added.

APNU also questioned alleged disparities in treatment between employees directly attached to the Ministry of Health and nurses employed under the regional administration.

“It is also deeply concerning that while Ministry of Health employees reportedly received their leave and leave allowances for 2026, Region Three nurses were told by regional officials that they are entitled to nothing because it is ‘the region’s law,’” the coalition stated.

Beyond labour concerns, APNU raised alarm about reported shortages of essential medical supplies at the hospital, including syringes and gloves.

The coalition said reports that expired gloves were distributed for use pointed to “broader systemic failures” that could compromise patient care and public health.

Healthcare workers in Guyana have repeatedly raised concerns in recent years over working conditions, staffing shortages, access to medical supplies, and compensation issues, particularly within regional health institutions.

The concerns also emerge amid continued government efforts to expand and modernize the country’s healthcare sector through infrastructure investments and recruitment initiatives.

However, APNU argued that public praise for nurses during Nurses Week would ring hollow if the allegations remain unaddressed.

“As we conclude Nurses Week, we believe it would be a grave injustice to celebrate our nurses publicly while remaining silent about the challenges they face behind hospital walls,” the statement said.

The coalition is now calling on the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour, the Region Three administration, and other oversight agencies to launch an immediate investigation.

APNU said authorities must “provide clear answers, and ensure that every nurse receives the legal benefits, fair treatment, and safe working conditions they deserve.”

“Our nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system. They deserve more than praise. They deserve justice, protection, and respect,” the statement concluded.

The coalition also pledged solidarity with nurses and healthcare workers “who continue to serve despite difficult and often unfair circumstances.”