The Opposition is demanding that the Ministry of Health employ more neonatologists to provide specialised care to babies born with severe illnesses, injuries or birth disorders and prevent neonatal deaths.
Former Caroni East MP Dr Tim Gopeesingh, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, yesterday stressed the importance of experts in the field following the deaths of 11 babies at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit from February 22 to April 6.
The infants reportedly contracted an infection and died, prompting investigations by the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) and an independent probe by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
“We cannot continue to lose lives the way that we are losing lives,” Gopeesingh said during the party’s weekly media briefing.
“Fifty-six billion dollars have been spent over the last eight years; can we not train? We call on the Government to ensure that each one of our institutions is fully equipped with professional nursing, medical and paraprofessional staff, surgical and medical supplies and for the continuous training of them.”
Gopeesingh also echoed the sentiments expressed by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who said she had no confidence that any investigation would bear fruit.
“We have confidence that they (PAHO) will produce something but we don’t have confidence that the Government will use the recommendations of this report and the findings to better the care in these neonatal intensive care units,” he said.
He demanded that Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh resign or be fired.
He also took aim at regional health authority boards, whom he said were unqualified for their positions.
“These regional health authority board members are not qualified and suitable for management of the health sector, and this is where Minister Deyalsingh must resign or be removed because he is the one who is responsible for appointing the regional health authority boards.”
Gopeesingh was referring to North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) CEO Davlin Thomas, who is a playwright, author and artistic director.
Furthermore, he called for the Couva Children’s Hospital to be opened for the treatment of children.
Attempts to reach Thomas for comment yesterday were unsuccessful.