Energy Minister Franklin Khan had his typical smile on his face at a Thailand hospital yesterday, after being warded hours earlier for "issues related to his heart that was brought on by a viral infection."
This was the word from Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Stuart Young, during yesterday's post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister, St Clair.
Young dismissed earlier reports which appeared on social media that Khan, who is on vacation, had suffered a heart attack.
"It is not true that he had a heart attack or any heart failure. What happened was the virus (flu) affected his heart condition and he had an accumulation of some fluid in his lungs."
Young said Government officials contacted Khan and his wife, Laura yesterday, adding that Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs officials were also in contact with the authorities in Thailand to ensure that when Khan is declared medically fit, "his journey home will be made as comfortable as possible."
Young said Khan's condition was "not as serious as was suggested and circulated (on social media) this morning and it is a situation that is receiving very close monitoring by us."
He said Khan and his were were satisfied with the medical care being provided in Thailand, adding that it
Sheik Azim Mohammed, right, one of 25 recipients of free eye surgery, thanks Pravita Shankar, surgical coordinator at the Good Health Medical Centre in Woodbrook, following his operation yesterday. Inset is opthalmologist Dr Ronnie Bhola. PHOTO: NICOLE DRAYTON
Cataract doc's team brings Christmas cheer to needy
25 surgeries done in a daywas a world-class facility. He said if there was the need to have him transferred to another institution it could be easily done.
Young said he saw a photo of the minister "in his hospital gown with a Frankie Khan smile on his face." He said the minister was prepared to get himself better to return to work.
Young said a few months ago Khan "went through some non-invasive medical procedures to do with respect to his heart."
He insisted Khan was in good condition and there was no cause for undue concern.
Finance Minister Colm Imbert is acting as Energy Minister in Khan's absence.