A doctor attached to the Arima District Health Facility is expected to be questioned by police after he allegedly slapped a four-year-old boy because he resisted being given an intravenous fluid. Rixon Castellano was taken to the facility on Friday after being knocked down by a truck along Olton Road in Arima.
The accident occurred around 3.55 pm after Castellano had just left the Malabar RC School with his mother Anita, 25, and cousins Rihanna and Seye. Castellano was hit by a truck while crossing the street. Police officers nearby were alerted by loud screams and they took Castellano to the Accident and Emergency Department of the facility.
When he got there, Castellano became agitated when the doctor tried to insert a syringe into his arm to administer the fluid. The doctor reportedly reacted by slapping Castellano across his left cheek. The incident is said to have taken place in the presence of Castellano's mother and two nurses who were in the room.
Afterwards, North Central Regional Authority chairman, Dr Ashvin Sharma, acting CEO Collin Bissessar and human resource consultant Kawal Singh visited the facility to investigate. Checks by T&T Guardian revealed that up to yesterday the doctor was still on duty. Hospital sources said earlier this year the doctor's contract was expected to be reviewed after concerns were raised about him. He was hired on contract.
Cluster head leader Myram Abdool-Richards, who has since resigned from the facility, endorsed the recommendation that the contract of the doctor should not be renewed. However, the recommendation was overturned and the doctor was granted a further one year-contract. Yesterday, Castellano's mother Anita expressed outrage as she recalled the incident. "Imagine the pain I felt when my child was knocked down, and then to see somebody slap my child really hurt me."
"My son is a baby. He must be afraid of any medication or treatment he is going to receive." She said the doctor has to be removed from the hospital, because he is not fit to deal with patients. When contacted yesterday, Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan expressed shock over the incident, but said he was unable to comment because the matter was being investigated by the police.
However, the minister said the boy's parents should also make an official complaint at his ministry, which can be contacted at 623-2741.