Dentist robbed at gunpoint at Campbelville Health Centre

By Devina Samaroo

A dentist attached to the Campbelville Health Centre was robbed at gunpoint Friday morning, raising once again concerns of security at health institutions across the country.

Uon Sandiford was robbed of his gold chain around 10:50hrs whilst talking to a roomful of patients in the waiting room.

“A guy stuck a gun to my neck, demanding my chain and so forth. He grabbed the chain and left in a nearby alley,” Sandiford told the News Room.

Sandiford, who is in charge of the Dental Clinic at the Campbelville Health Centre, said he was in complete shock at the time of the incident.

“As they say (I was) left stupid. The patients too were left with their mouth opened,” he related.

The dentist said this incident raises the concern of much-needed security at health institutions in Guyana and pleaded with the relevant authorities to ensure urgent steps are taken to address the situation.

“I am hoping that the Ministry of Public Health, as well as the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, really do something with security. It’s hard being a health care provider and being robbed…If persons are going to work one must expect some security,” Sandiford expressed.

Just last year and earlier this year, bandits had stormed the Campbelville Health Centre. According to the dentist, the perpetrators robbed patients as well as some of the other healthcare providers of cellphones and other valuables.