By Sue-Ann Wayow
A COMMITTEE has been appointed to investigate the death of little Jasher Francois.
Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe informed the public on Monday that the committee comprises of four experts in the areas of Paediatrics, Paediatric Intensive Care, Nursing, Quality Assurance and Law.
“Their mandate is to review the case and determine whether the proper standard of care, clinical judgement and professional responsibilities were upheld,” the Ministry of Health stated via media release.
While the press release didn’t name the members of the committee, AZP News learnt they are:
- Dr Camanee Lutchman, Consultant Paeditrician, NCRHA;
- Ms Claudine Sheppard, Registered Nurse with experience in Quality Assurance and former CEO NWRHA;
- Dr Elizabeth Persad, Paediatric Intensive Care Specialist; and
- Ms Denelle Singh, attorney and former Senior Legal Associate at Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago
The committee has been instructed to submit their report by August 20, 2025.
The ministry stated, “The Ministry of Health remains fully committed to transparency, accountability and upholding the highest standards of care, with continued focus on the safety and well-being of all citizens, especially our nation’s children.”
Dr Bodoe, acting on instruction by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessa,r ordered that an investigation be done into the death of Francois who died at the tender age of six while being treated at the San Fernando Teaching Hospital.
An initial autopsy performed at the hospital’s mortuary listed the cause of death as aspiration pneumonitis, likely triggered by viral pneumonia a serious lung condition.
But his grieving parents have rejected those findings stating their son’s sudden deterioration followed the intravenous administration of magnesium sulphate.
The medication was given just before he died.
Pathologist Prof Dr Hubert Daisley conducted a second autopsy privately over the weekend who showed a different result.
Parents Aaron and Yhnique said they were satisfied with the results of the second one but were still awaiting a written report.
Their son died last Thursday after being admitted to the hospital for a dry cough.
The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday at the Baptist Ambassadors for Christ Church in St John’s Village, San Fernando.
