AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Belize Life Living in Belize SAGA Financials

I too noticed an uncertain order of the numbered signatures. I once said that I was #58 and as of yesterday I was #107. I just assumed it takes a while for them to be recorded or uploaded then people bump down...? At any rate, a lot of the people who signed before me still remain there, just spaced out a bit.

this is a question that has to be asked based on what you have posted Peter.

Are we to presume that out of date drugs have only been given since Ms Drokes departure ??

What drugs were given when she was there ? Why would they give out of date drugs if they had in date drugs the same when Ms Droke was working there.

Its not an attack on Ms Droke just asking as it seems strange that all of a sudden SAGA is treating with out of date drugs since Ms Droke has left there.

Also how does anyone know they are using out of date drugs unless there was inside info ? that it is a common practice ?

Gaz

I just checked, and my signature still has the same number attached to it. Perhaps the on-line petition numbers sequentially, and paper ones then affect the numbering? I don't know whether the two data streams are integrated like that.

I don't know for sure, Gaz. I do know that Dr. Droke donates appropriate drugs to SAGA when they go out of date, and it is safe to use those for a limited period. Discretion has to be used based on the condition of the drug and its packaging.

But I wasn't meaning to imply that SAGA only uses out-of-date drugs, just that in the case in question (and specific others) they did. But more to the point, other than pretty normal "over-the-counter" medicines, a vet is normally needed to determine what drugs should be given in any particular case, and in what dosage. And as Dr. Droke has posted on Facebook, to watch for adverse reactions to those drugs and deal quickly with that situation.

Peter

Not trying to cause an issue here but how do you know they used out of date drugs considering they are administered in the clinic ? who checked the packaging who is saying they were out of date ??

Does someone have the packaging showing it out of date ?

Just seems without proof it is just heresay

Gaz

I was told that they use out of date drugs on the animals that are strays. They did not elaborate. I do not know if this was common practice when the licenced vet was there but why would they keep the outdated drugs on hand?

I just checked out Facebook and Ms Droke admits to knowing out of date drugs were being administered when she worked there and I dont think this is wrong as if we are all honest with each other the expiration date on many items allows for months if not years before they become really become out of dat.

Supermarkets on the island are notorious for selling out of date food products are they wrong ? YES will an out of date pack of cookies kill you ? NO

Yes drugs are another issue but I would assume a month out of date pack of doxycycline would not be that dangerous to use and lets face it many donations are going to be close to out of date drugs. Did Ms droke do anything wrong I dont think so she followed the direction of SAGA board, but it is wrong to hold someone to account when that person has done the exact same thing when required to do so.

Gaz

From a human perspective, I can tell you that the expiration date on medications can be extended if the drugs can be refrigerated or even frozen. Many medications (never mind disposable supplies like syringes, bandages, etc) are safe to use after these dates especially if they are properly stored (temperature and humidity is a big factor). In other words, many meds can be "bad / old" way before the expiration date in this climate, so it is best to keep everything "climate controlled".

I would imagine that you would find many supplies / meds used at the Polyclinic to be past expiration dates (especially if they were donated by hospitals from the states as the FDA does not regulate here). Just a guess....

Not as concerned with using past date meds with the exception of some which are altogether ineffective if not stored properly; however, dispensing controlled substances must be done properly as well - clearly labeled as to what the name of the drug is, detailed instruction for administering either orally or topically, etc. This is extremely important no matter what your socioeconomic status - no one human or animals should be treated otherwise when it comes to pharmaceuticals.

As others have said, it was/is common practice in SAGA and probably most humane societies here, and carefully managed is no great problem. But that has to be tempered by informed discretion - someone able to judge must look at the medications and decide whether they are fit for use.

In the specific case of the dog that died, the owner was given the drugs to take away with the dog, and took them with him/her when visiting the vet a couple of days later. She said they were visibly mouldy.