–says deliberate attempt being made to tarnish hospital’s good reputation
–points out government’s investments in healthcare resources, infrastructure

REGIONAL Health Officer (RHO) of Region Two, Dr. Ranjeev Singh has categorically refuted the allegations made by the parliamentary opposition concerning services offered to women and newborns at the Suddie Public Hospital.

Without producing any concrete evidence, Opposition Parliamentarian Dr. Karen Cummings claimed at a news conference that some of the services being offered at the facility are so inadequate that there is a high incidence of newborn deaths. Unfounded claims about the staffing situation in the aforementioned departments were also made.

However, the RHO has asserted that the information related to the media by Dr. Cummings was not only erroneous but is a boldfaced attempt to tarnish the staff and the hospital’s good reputation.

Dr. Singh, who was shocked to learn of the claims being made, told this publication that the accusation of five babies dying in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the month of June is baseless.

He informed that during the abovementioned month, nine babies were admitted to the NICU and five survived.

Dr. Singh related that the post-mortem results indicated that one infant died from hemorrhagic syndrome, while the other died from multi-organ failure, brain hemorrhage, and congenital heart disease due to its prematurity.

The RHO used the opportunity to emphasise that the staff is dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of mothers and their newborn.

In January, the hospital’s neonatal services were enhanced with the commissioning of a new wing equipped with state-of-the-art neonatal equipment. The NICU now has the capacity to accommodate at least ten neonates at a time. This expansion aims to decentralise healthcare services and make them more accessible across the region.

Additionally, pediatricians have received specialised training to support the services being offered to children who are treated at the facility. The NICU staff are also highly trained professionals who adhere strictly to safety protocols.

Given Dr. Singh’s detailed explanation, it is clear that the claims that the Unit is unsafe due to multiple neonatal deaths, are false.

Presenting concrete facts, the RHO noted that in June, the nine babies were admitted to the NICU, with five requiring ventilators. At no point was the department without trained medical personnel to care for them, he said.

During that period, the NICU consistently had an obstetrician or gynecologist (OBGYN) on duty, ensuring that mothers and their babies were never left unattended.

Meanwhile, head of the department, Dr. Kalesh Latchminarine, a pediatrician, confirmed that in June, nine babies were admitted to the NICU, with seven surviving and two, unfortunately, passing away due to complications.

Records show that of the 392 babies delivered from January to June 2024, 41 were admitted to the NICU, with six deaths recorded thus far for 2024. Three deaths were attributed to congenital malformations, and three to preterm birth complications, the publication was told.

These preterm babies were born between 28 to 35 weeks gestation.

The department’s neonatologist, Dr. Yelina Acosta, who is Cuban, has over ten years of experience.

This publication was also told that the management of the Suddie Public Hospital has thoroughly reviewed the comments made by Dr. Cummings which were contained in a press release that was subsequently shared with the media, and deemed it false and mischievous.

Suddie Public Hospital has made significant improvements over the years, providing free medical services to the entire Essequibo Coast and surrounding areas. It has a 24-hour pharmacy and laboratory services, which reinforces the government’s commitment to ensuring every citizen has access to healthcare.