Health Ministry to probe teen mom’s postpartum death 

The Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, has indicated that the Ministry will review the circumstances surrounding the recent death of a teenage mother approximately one month after giving birth, while outlining the standard procedures followed in the care and discharge of pregnant patients.
Fifteen-year-old Aleena Preetam, who was found dead on February 23, died of heart failure and anaemia, according to the post-mortem examination.
Preetam, of Good Hope, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam), was found dead in her bedroom.
On Wednesday, when asked about the case, the Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, noted that he did not yet review the full details but assured that the matter can be investigated.
Addressing questions about the care process for pregnant patients, the Minister explained that any expectant mother who presents at a public health facility is first assessed at the accident and emergency department.
“So basically, anybody, if you’re pregnant and you come to the hospital, if you come to the accident and emergency, the team there would do an examination. And from that examination, they would determine what would be the next step,” he explained.

According to the Minister, patients may either be admitted for further monitoring and testing or discharged depending on their condition.
Anthony added, “In some cases, they would need to admit that patient. So, if they admit that patient, then the patient would go through all the requisite checks and so forth, tests and so forth. In other cases, at the emergency, they’ll be able to do the assessments, maybe do some laboratory tests, and if they’re satisfied, they would then send that person home.”
He noted that specific symptoms, such as bleeding or other complications, would typically require closer observations within the hospital setting.
“If you have a pregnant person and if they have bleeding and so forth, that might warrant bringing the person in and keeping them for a little bit and observing. If none of that exists, then maybe they might be discharged,” the Health Minister said.
The Minister further explained that patients who are discharged are provided with follow-up clinic dates to ensure continued monitoring after delivery.
“When you’re discharged from the clinic, you will be given clinic dates and so forth for follow-up. So, I think that would be the normal process,” Minister Anthony expressed.
He also emphasised that if a patient experiences worsening symptoms after being discharged, they or their relatives should return to the hospital immediately so medical intervention can be provided.
“If somebody were very ill at home, somebody would have to bring them to the hospital where some medical thing could be done. Or if a neighbour or somebody called in, then we can send the ambulance to pick them up. But if we are not aware of the problem, then it’s hard for us to treat the person,” the Minister noted.
Preetam, a former student of Abram Zuil Secondary School, had transferred to another secondary institution but eventually dropped out of school.
After leaving school, she became pregnant and subsequently gave birth. Her delivery process was regarded as safe, and both mother and baby had returned home.