THE Ministry of Health has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of 19-month-old Kayden Munroe, who died at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD), on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

“In accordance with the Laws of Guyana, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is currently conducting a thorough investigation by a multi-disciplinary team into the death…,” the ministry said in a statement on Saturday. According to the ministry, records indicate that over a period of about 48 hours, the baby had visited several health institutions, including the Den Amstel Health Centre, the Leonora District Hospital, a private pharmacy, a private doctor’s office and WDRH.

The toddler was reportedly brought to the health centre on Tuesday in order to receive his MMR—a vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella, and yellow fever vaccines.
According to reports, his grandmother is accusing the medical staff of negligence, claiming that they ignored her concerns and took a long time to check the child.
A post-mortem examination will be performed on Munroe’s remains on Monday.

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Narine Singh has initiated a thorough investigation of the child’s death, starting with compiling reports from all the medical providers that were involved, the statemented added. This part of the investigation, the Ministry of Health noted, will be completed by the end of the day on Saturday, March 9.

“The CMO has also initiated a process to complete in-person interviews with the officers over the next 24 hours. In addition, the Maternal and Child Health Department is conducting its own investigation since it is reported that the child was also seen at a health centre. Both the CMO’s office and the MCH will also interview members of the family.”
The ministry has assured the child’s family that a “fair, independent and multi-disciplinary investigation will be conducted and a report will be submitted to the Minister shortly.”
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony and the ministry have expressed profound condolences to the family of the child. Just over a year ago, Munroe’s teenage mother passed away.