PORT OF SPAIN – Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar has ordered a “full and urgent investigation ”into the death of six-year-old Jasher Francois at the San Fernando Teaching Hospital, south of here, after being admitted for a mild cough.
A statement from the Ministry of Health said that following reports surrounding the circumstances of the child’s death Prime Minister Persad Bissessar “ has instructed that a full and urgent investigation be conducted into the matter”.
The statement said that Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe, “has taken immediate steps to initiate the investigation to ensure that all relevant facts are gathered swiftly and transparently”.
The child’s parents – Aaron and Amy François – said that on Thursday their healthy son deteriorated rapidly following treatment, including an adverse reaction to medication.
In a video posted on social media on Thursday, they detailed the events surrounding the loss and called on authorities for a thorough investigation and independent autopsy.
“We are calling on Kamla Persad-Bissessar, you are mother to the nation at the moment, from a mother’s heart to yours, please.”
The parents said their son was admitted on Wednesday after developing a persistent cough three days earlier. Doctors advised them that his coughing was likely due to the flu and he would be given treatment in line with the diagnosis.
They said their son [was] very alert, responsive and otherwise normal until he was given, what they were told was, magnesium sulphate intravenously.
The South-West Regional Health Authority confirmed a formal case review is underway, and counselling has been provided to the grieving family.
It said this was “consistent with standard clinical review procedures when such concerns have been raised and the findings will be fully disclosed to the parents upon completion.”
“The SWRHA empathises with the parents and relatives of the deceased during this time. Counselling and support services have been made available and will continue to be extended to the parents as they navigate this situation,” the release said. (CMC)
