By Chantalé Fletcher
MINISTER of Health Terrence Deyalsingh on Friday laid the American Health Organization (PAHO) report on the death of babies at Port of Spain General Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
The investigation commenced for the death of seven babies at the NICU between April 4 and 9 from a bacterial infection.
In a statement in Parliament on Friday, Deyalsingh said the Ministry of Health and the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) went through the report, inclusive of the findings and recommendations, and noted that many of the recommendations contained within the report were already integral parts of the national and regional standard operating procedure.
He said, “We are of the view however, that there are certain findings that require urgent clarification. Since the receipt of the report on June 21, 2024, the Ministry has been actively communicating and collaborating with PAHO via its country office. This is to ensure that PAHO has the opportunity to address and resolve these concerns promptly as the report anticipates the submission of additional data and information.”
Referring to an excerpt from page 6 of the report, the minister stated, “The Trinidad and Tobago National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance for 2023-2027 aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Action Plan.
“This ambitious five-year strategy includes Strategic Objective 3, which aims to reduce the incidence of infection through effective sanitation, hygiene, and infection prevention measures.”
Once again, Deyalsingh extended his personal condolences and that of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the families affected.
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