– Health Minister

MINISTER of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran yesterday told the National Assembly that Colwyn Harding, the man alleged to have been sexually assaulted by a policeman, lost a portion of his intestines through gangrene.
An investigation is currently ongoing on the claim made that Harding was sexually assaulted by a member or members of the Guyana Police Force while in custody at the Timehri Police Station.Minister Ramsaran, responding to ‘Questions without Notice’ posed to him by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament, Winston Felix who asked about the extent of Harding’s injuries, said he was being treated for “incarcerated hernia” and subsequent complications.
Dr. Ramsaran explained that a part of Harding’s bowel was found to be gangrenous in the right scrotal sack and emergency surgery was done on December 18 to remove it. However, this was subsequently followed by a breakdown of the rejoined intestines.
“This led to certain serious internal complications including septic conditions within the abdomen. This meant that the patient had to be reopened coming out of the first operation,” he stated. The Health Minister said while Harding lost a length of his intestines, he has recovered sufficiently for doctors to try and reattach them.
Dr. Ramsaran said Harding was being treated for a serious hernia and subsequent complications. Referring to the allegation that a policeman had pushed a baton into Harding’s anus, he said, “Any doubting of this will put under question the professional code of professionals. I’m saying, Mr. Speaker, the juxtaposition to the Opposition needs to be analysed…our surgical professionals are saying that this patient was operated on because of pains in the right scrotal area,” Dr. Ramsaran said.
The minister was firm in his conviction that his report was based on his “trust in the professionalism” of the doctors.
Felix, a former Police Commissioner, also questioned the availability of colostomy bags which, since his hospitalisation, Harding had been using. Minister Ramsaran gave the assurance that these bags were in stock and would be available.
The Opposition MP was also informed that the GPHC does not attach any cost for medical treatment and that the necessary skills to deal with Harding’s case were available locally. He added however, that all patients are entitled to a second opinion should they wish one.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs is awaiting the submission of a report on this matter from the Guyana Police Force. “The Ministry of Home Affairs expects that condign action will be taken by the Commissioner of Police against the Rank(s) found culpable after a speedy, full and proper investigation is conducted into the allegation and legal advice sought from the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions,” the ministry stated.