The South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) has apologised to three police officers who were reportedly refused medical attention at the Couva District Health Facility.
The SWRHA was responding to an article published in this newspaper on April 20 about three officers, dressed in police uniform, who went to the health facility after receiving minor injuries during the arrest of two men.
However, WPC Anisa Ali, PC Kevon Vialva and PC Mark Ramkalwan, attached to the Couva Police claimed they were refused treatment because they did not have a medical card.
In a press release yesterday, the SWRHA stated that it was currently engaged in discussions with the officers at the Couva Police Station to finalise the report on the investigation and appropriate action will be taken.
The SWRHA sought to assure the public that it is not the authority’s policy to deny access to any client seeking medical attention at any of their healthcare facilities.
The release stated, “On Sunday, 15th April, 2018, at approximately 3.40 am three police officers accessed healthcare services at the Couva District Health Facility’s Emergency Department. As is customary, at the start of the triage process, especially for repeat clients, staff inquired the purpose of the visit and whether or not one of the officers had an Emergency Department Registration Card. It has been and continues to be our practice that all clients accessing healthcare at any of our facilities, especially emergency care, receive the best clinical care as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the police officers left prior to completing the triage process. As a result, we wish to extend an apology to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, as well as the three police officers for any misunderstanding and inconvenience caused as a result.”
The SWRHA reaffirmed its commitment to the continued provision of healthcare to the population of the South-West Region.
—SACHA WILSON