PNC attempting to undermine public confidence in Suddie Hospital – RHO

…rejects PNC claims of 5 neonatal deaths at facility in June

Regional Health Officer for Region Two, (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Dr Ranjeev Singh, has firmly rejected the allegations made by the Parliamentary Opposition Peoples’ National Congress regarding neonatal care at the Suddie Public Hospital.
The Regional Health Officer, in refuting allegations that five neonates had died in the NICU in June, is contending that the allegations are inaccurate and appear to be an intentional effort to damage the hospital’s reputation and undermine public confidence therein.
According to Dr Singh, only two infants had unfortunately passed away in June, and this is due to severe complications associated with their premature births, contrary to the Opposition’s assertions of five deaths.
Those babies, born between 35 and 38 weeks of gestation, had faced critical health issues such as haemorrhagic syndrome and multi-organ failure caused by congenital heart disease, the Regional Health Officer has said.
The opposition’s dissemination of false information, he said, is both harmful and misleading.

According to him, in reality, the hospital has made substantial advancements in its neonatal services, as highlighted by the opening of a new state-of-the-art wing in January. This new facility, which can now accommodate up to ten neonates, significantly enhances the hospital’s ability to provide critical care, and underscores its commitment to decentralizing healthcare services and making high-quality care accessible to families throughout the region.
According to the RHO, to maintain the highest standards of care, pediatricians and NICU staff nationwide have undergone specialised training.
Contrary to the Opposition’s claims, he noted, the NICU has consistently been staffed with trained medical professionals, including an obstetrician or gynecologist on duty at all times.
Meanwhile, head of the department, Dr. Kalesh Latchminarine, confirmed to this publication that, in June, nine babies were admitted to the NICU, with seven surviving and only two passing away due to complications.
From January to June 2024, 392 babies were delivered at the hospital, with 41 admitted to the NICU. Of these, six deaths were recorded, mainly due to congenital malformations and complications from preterm births.
Dr. Yelina Acosta, an experienced neonatologist from Cuba with over a decade of expertise, has further strengthened the hospital’s dedication to providing top-tier care. Suddie Public Hospital continues to offer free, comprehensive medical services to the entire coast and islands, including 24-hour pharmacy and laboratory services.
Dr. Singh firmly dismissed the opposition’s allegations regarding the NICU’s safety, stressing that the hospital’s staff members are fully committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of mothers and their babies.
The management of Suddie Public Hospital stands by its exemplary record and the outstanding care it provides to its patients, the RHO has said. (G14)