GPHC probe into chemotherapy deaths completed
Internal investigations at the Georgetown Public Hospital into the deaths of three children who fell grievously ill after chemotherapy treatment back in January have been completed, a source close to the investigation told this newspaper.
The source said the findings of the internal investigations were forwarded to the Ministry of Public Health. While the source could not reveal the full findings, it was contended that the medication used did not contribute to the death of the children.
The three children who passed away were seven-year-old Corwin Edwards, who died on January 14th; three-year-old Roshini Seegobin, of Enmore, East Coast Demerara, who died on January 18th and Sharezer Mendonca, 6, of Queenstown, Essequibo Coast, who died on January 24th.
Following the deaths of the children, the hospital had announced that it was investigating and was terminating the use of the drug, which was not named.
“That investigation involves the interviewing of all medical persons directly involved along with an assessment of the medication administered,” the hospital had said.
Stabroek News had also reported Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence disclosing that the ministry has requested technical assistance from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to aid in the probe of the deaths of three children.
PAHO’s assistance was sought in an effort to ensure transparency in the investigation.
The health minister said that she believes the representative from PAHO will be an asset to the investigating team as the person would have no connection to the public health system.
All three children were paralyzed after being given the medication and they subsequently died.
Meanwhile, the Attorney representing the Mendonca’s family, Ganesh Hira, said that they were still awaiting Sharezer’s medical records from the hospital. He said that two requests have already been made to the hospital for her medical records but weeks have passed and nothing has been produced nor has any explanation been given to the family for the delay.
According to Hira, if the hospital fails to provide the family with the medical information requested, they will seek an injunction from the court compelling the public hospital to make the documents available.
Reports of the children’s deaths surfaced on social media and sparked outrage and calls from the public for a thorough investigation to be done.
Only Mendonca’s family has spoken publicly on the matter.