AmbergrisCaye.com Home
Posted By: Marty DVM Laurie Droke's License Renewed - 07/12/15 11:23 AM

In a meeting held on Wednesday, July 1st, the Belize Veterinary Association (BVA), Veterinary Surgeons Board (VSB) and Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) agreed to renew Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and co-owner of the San Pedro Animal Hospital (SPAH), Laurie Droke's license. After receiving complaints about the establishment, the VSB was contemplating not renewing Droke's license for 2015, which is needed to operate veterinary clinic legally.

According to Doctor Miguel DePaz- Chief Veterinarian Officer, Director of Animal Health at BAHA and Chairman of the Veterinary Surgeons Board, while they will be renewing Droke's license, SPAH will still be closely monitored for inconsistencies. "Like I had said earlier in the year, the board considered not renewing Droke's license therefore the SPAH would not be able to operate. The main reason for this is because we had received reports that Droke was not always present at the clinic and other unlicensed veterinarians were the ones running SPHA. This is against the law. Under section 24.(1) of the Veterinary Surgeons Act (Chapter 326 of the Laws of Belize Revised Edition 2000) 'No person shall engage in the practice of veterinary surgery or hold himself out as engaging in the practice of veterinary surgery unless that person is registered under this Act'," said DePaz.

DePaz indicated that the decision to renew Droke's license was due to the need for a veterinary clinic on the island. "We understand that there is a need for a full time veterinarian in San Pedro. But at the same time the laws must be upheld. We hope that with the decision we have made, SPAH rectifies its operation and conducts all activities within the laws of Belize," said DePaz.

The San Pedro Animal Hospital is the only private veterinary clinic on the island since 2009 and provides a full range of 24 hour medical services.

In mid-July, The VSB will release a list of all registered veterinary surgeons (veterinarians), veterinary specialists and animal health technicians licensed to practice in Belize. Any person operating that is not on the list is doing so illegally and is liable for criminal charges under the Veterinary Surgeons Act.


San Pedro Sun

Posted By: maruke Re: DVM Laurie Droke's License Renewed - 07/12/15 11:32 AM
good
YEA ! This is fantastic news. Barnie, Emily and Pancita are thrilled!
Great that the law requires proper licenses for practitioners, but we should not loose sight of the intent of the law whilst enforcing it. The law should be about ensuring the availability quality care, and not allowing total fakes to practice. Making it difficult for a fully qualified medical practitioner to obtain a license to practice is just plain wrong. People-doctors face the same difficulties in licensing here.
We all loose with the protectionist mentality. The vets at SPAH are good practitioners. Aiding (not blocking) in licensing should be the aim of the authorities. Hopefully the people in charge have realized this and we can move forward in a collaborative spirit.
When we have "too many" good vets, and "too many" good physicians, then we can consider limiting licenses based on quotas ..... Doubtful that will be soon.
Posted By: bywarren Re: DVM Laurie Droke's License Renewed - 07/12/15 01:50 PM
Ah yes, one of the shortcomings of a democracy. Politicians writing laws, bureaucrats enforcing them and judges interpreting them when all too often none of the above posses the quality of common sense.
Posted By: azbob Re: DVM Laurie Droke's License Renewed - 07/12/15 05:55 PM
Great news and extra special GREAT for the animals!!
Posted By: ragman Re: DVM Laurie Droke's License Renewed - 07/13/15 12:50 AM
I just informed Zeke and he is smiling. grin A good day for the animals on Ambergris Caye. Dianne is correct though, they should make it a little easier to have a qualified Vet but instead they look for ways to make it difficult.

I've heard that the "complaints" came from a personal problem with someone at the SPAH and nothing to do faulty pet care.
Posted By: ScubaLdy Re: DVM Laurie Droke's License Renewed - 07/13/15 03:42 PM
Good Morning Jim
Are you here on the island? If so, stop by. There are things I never put in writing.
Posted By: ragman Re: DVM Laurie Droke's License Renewed - 07/13/15 10:57 PM
No I'm off Island and not planning to return until January. There are some things that most people are uncomfortable publicly commenting on a message board. Smartly so on a small Island. wink

Posted By: Maya House Re: DVM Laurie Droke's License Renewed - 07/25/15 05:33 PM
Really, really happy to hear this. SPAH has helped us out numerous times where the vet wasn't in at SAGA. There is more than a need for both of these wonderful services on the island. Well done!!
Posted By: ragman Re: DVM Laurie Droke's License Renewed - 08/30/15 09:57 PM
Well is looks like the "battle" was won but the war not so. I understand that a decision has been made to close SPAH due to the Vet not being able to get permission from BAHA to import drugs needed to operate the practice. Probably will close the first of next year unless something changes.

Dr. Laurie is licensed by the authorities in the USA to export drugs however she must have a permit from BAHA to import them. If she gets caught importing without this permit she could lose her USA license which is not an option. Trying to get local supplies is a nightmare and at times they have come through unlabeled which she rightfully refuses to give to animals under her care, not knowing for sure just what the drugs are. The Belize authorizes refuse to give her a permit so in effect she can not run the hospital without proper drugs. This has been a problem for a while and she has paid fees and attempted to obtain the needed permit but the answer is no and I don't believe they have offered a reason for this. We where hoping this would be resolved with the license issue. Not so.

I hope this issue gets resolved but it is not looking good at the moment. I love Belize but this is an example of a problem which should have a solution but doesn't seem to. I believe this goes on often with problems which solutions would make Belize a better place. If they would lay out a thought out policy or give a good reason for these types of positions at least it wouldn't be such a slap in the face to the public who need these services and goods.

frown
Posted By: Maya House Re: DVM Laurie Droke's License Renewed - 08/31/15 04:37 PM
This is ridiculous and completely unacceptable! This looks/smells so intentional and personal right now, and that shouldn't be the case. Diane hit it on the head: "Aiding (not blocking) in licensing should be the aim of the authorities."

This is getting old and frustrating, but we're going to have to pull together again. What do we need to do this time?? Who do we need to call and write??
Posted By: RobertJ Re: DVM Laurie Droke's License Renewed - 08/31/15 06:05 PM
Great place to vacation, but the Bannana Republic stigma looms.
Posted By: dschick Re: DVM Laurie Droke's License Renewed - 09/13/15 12:00 AM
We don't live there yet but did just purchase property. Is there anything meaningful that we can do to help this process along?
© Ambergris Caye Belize Message Board