Fyzabad MP Dr. Lackram Bodoe, also opposition shadow health minister, did not hold back in criticizing Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh’s handling of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) report regarding the deaths of seven infants at the Port of Spain General Hospital. Dr. Bodoe pointed out glaring deficiencies in the health sector surveillance system and emphasized the need for better care of vulnerable infants.
The PAHO report, based on an investigation at the hospital from January to April, highlighted areas of concern such as epidemiological surveillance, prevention and control strategies, and neonatal intensive care. Dr. Bodoe questioned the minister’s response to the report, suggesting a lack of accountability and an attempt to deflect from the real issues at hand.
Drawing attention to the report’s findings on infection prevention and control practices, Dr. Bodoe raised concerns about governance, clinical practices, sanitization measures, and staffing. He specifically called out the inexperience of a sanitization company engaged during the deaths at the neonatal unit and questioned the minister’s reluctance to accept the report’s conclusions.
Dr. Bodoe emphasized the importance of PAHO’s credibility as an internationally recognized organization and criticized any attempts to undermine the report’s validity. As someone familiar with the health sector’s inner workings, he questioned the lack of sub-committees addressing crucial issues like infection prevention and control within the Port of Spain General Hospital.
In conclusion, Dr. Bodoe’s remarks shed light on the urgent need for accountability, transparency, and improvement within Trinidad and Tobago’s health sector despite Minister Deyalsingh’s attempts to maintain a positive image.
