Over 336 patients suffering from “long COVID” conditions—lasting for several months—have been treated at health facilities in East and South Trinidad and a “long COVID” facility will be opened in Port-of-Spain next month.
Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh confirmed this yesterday in response to questions from UNC MP Rishi Seecheran in Parliament.
Deyalsingh noted that according to the World Health Organisation, the term “long COVID” refers to a post-COVID-19 condition that occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed COVID-19 infection, usually three months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms. It can last for at least two months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis.
Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction and others that generally have an impact on everyday functioning.
The following measures were implemented to treat “long COVID” patients:
• October 2020 - an Executive Wellness Clinic established at the Arima General Hospital, where over 215 new patients were seen with long COVID. There were 361 revisits;
• August 2021 - the long COVID-19 clinics established at San Fernando Teaching Hospital, where over 121 new patients were seen with long COVID. There were 99 revisits;
• At Port-of-Spain General Hospital, long COVID patients are seen by the Internal Medicine Team. The long COVID clinic is expected to be established by May;
• At Sangre Hospital, long COVID patients are seen by the Internal Medicine Team;
The referral process into clinics is done throughout the regional health authorities, where patients are referred to by a doctor. Services are accessed immediately upon processing. Mental health is also being addressed in treatments.
700,000 digitised vax cards being confirmed
Deyalsingh also listed measures to combat the illicit distribution of COVID-19 vaccination cards from inventory checks to how replacement cards are handled. Those requiring replacements are referred to the manager of the Expanded Programme on Immunization, for database validation on confirmation of receipt of COVID-19 vaccine information. Only thereafter, is a copy issued.
On the prevalence of illicit card distribution, he said as of March 15, seven matters were before the T&T Police Service—three charged with conspiracy to misbehave in public office and four matters currently being investigated.
On digitising of vaccination cards, Deyalsingh said front end processes are completed and the website is up but the ministry is still doing confirmation by calling people. He said there are 700,000 people to confirm and that’s being done.
Deyalsingh said he’s working diligently with the Digital Transformation Ministry to complete the cards but there were some problems with international posting.
NWRHA report on lye victim sent to CMO
Deyalsingh also said an investigation was done into the incident at the St James Medical Complex, where lye was used on hysterectomy patient Katherine Akum Lum instead of distilled water.
He said the North West Regional Health Authority submitted a report to the Chief Medical Officer. The investigation was conducted in accordance with the reporting of adverse events as outlined by the Adverse Events Policy.
Akum Lum was taken to the US for treatment this year. Deyalsingh said this matter is before the High Court and in view of the subjudice rule there, he couldn’t comment further—including whether any disciplinary action was taken against anyone.
3,818 ex-Caroni workers still to get residential land leases
Some 3,818 former Caroni (1975) Limited workers are yet to get residential leases for land.
Acting Lower House Leader Terrence Deyalsingh confirmed this yesterday, in reply to Opposition queries following protest action by former Caroni employees. There was also a recent clash between those workers and the UNC’s Women’s arm.
Deyalsingh said, “A total of 8,855 former employees were entitled to a residential service lot as part of the VSEP packages offered. To date, 5,037 beneficiaries have been allocated to various estates and are at different stages in the process of receiving their leases.”
From this figure, 4764 leases have been executed. However, 44 of these leases are at Caroni awaiting collection. Also, 273 beneficiaries have not yet completed the process at Caroni or are awaiting Letters of Administration.
“With respect to agricultural leases, a total of 7,246 persons were entitled to these parcels of lands. From this figure, 127 persons reached an agreement with the state and were compensated for their land. The majority of the remaining 7,119 agricultural leases have been completed and the number of agricultural leases outstanding is 577.”
He couldn’t say when the leases will be finalised.
“I’m sure authorities are working on it.”