The GHA has re-affirmed its support for Dr Balachandar and apologized for any confusion that may have been caused by their previous statement on maternity services back in 2021. The Medical Director of the GHA expressed sentiments in support of Dr Balachandar and the GHA confirms that there were no clinical concerns regarding her practice.

A statement from the GHA follows below:

On 2 December 2021, the GHA issued a statement on maternity services. In that statement, the  GHA indicated that the contracts of two out of the four gynaecologists would expire at the end  of December 2021 and January 2022 with a third gynaecologist’s contract expiring in June 2022.  The GHA referred to a request from Unite to consider extending these contracts. The GHA  statement went on to say: 

“Unfortunately, issues of clinical concern came to light arising from the care provided by some  of those concerned. As a result, the GHA is not prepared to consider the union’s request to extend  the contracts further upon their expiry.” 

Nonetheless, following the GHA’s statement, the three clinicians whose contracts were due to  expire were offered extensions to their contracts. One of them, Dr Balachandar, felt that she was  unable to accept the extension to the contract and resigned from her position. 

The Government issued a further statement on 20 December 2021 in which it said: 

“The GHA is pleased to confirm that it has been able to resolve the clinical issues that had arisen  in respect of the gynaecology service… Having consulted the relevant bodies, the GHA is  reassured that patient care and safety have not been compromised.” 

The GHA’s Medical Director at the time wrote to Dr Balachandar on 30 March 2022. In that email,  the Medical Director apologised to Dr Balachandar on behalf of the GHA for the circumstances  that led to her earlier than expected departure and went on to express to Dr Balachandar his  heartfelt gratitude for the huge contribution she had made to the healthcare of the women of  Gibraltar. 

The Medical Director added: 

“We were very lucky to have been able to recruit a professional of your experience and calibre in  the prime of your career. Your hard work and dedication to your patients and colleagues has  made a big and positive difference to the lives of many women and by extension to their loved  ones too.”

The GHA re-affirms the sentiments expressed by the Medical Director on its behalf. It also  confirms that there were no clinical concerns regarding Dr Balachandar’s practice and apologises  for any inference to the contrary that may have arisen from the statement of 2 December 2021.  The GHA wishes Dr Balachandar well in her career.