BELMOPAN – The Belize government says it is awaiting the results of an autopsy findings after a child died at the San Pedro Polyclinic for vomiting and fever.
In a statement expressing “its deepest condolences” to the grieving family, the Ministry of Health & Wellness said that Kaleel Nah, whose age was not given, had been taken to the health facility on Monday, who died less than 48 hours later.
“We extend our support to the grieving family. The child was taken to the San Pedro Polyclinic on September 1st for vomiting and fever. On September 2, 2025, the child was admitted for management of an acute respiratory infection and dehydration. Upon signs of improvement, the parents were advised to seek specialist care for further management,” the ministry said.
“We are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the care provided to the child at the San Pedro Polyclinic and the events leading up to his death. This is a coroner’s case; therefore, we await the result of the autopsy findings,” it added.
Prime Minister John Briceño, told reporters that his “heart goes out to the family, but we’re building a hospital and … once we have that hospital, God willing, we will be able to prevent those tragedies ….
“I can’t imagine when my children were small, or my granddaughters. So yes, we have to do better and that is why we are building a hospital in San Pedro,” he added.
The mother of the child, Virgen Garcia, told the media that she had taken him to the clinic on Monday and that she was given medication “for vomiting and fever”.
She said the health authorities never explained the possible illness facing with her child and as Kaleel’s condition worsened, she rushed her little boy back to the San Pedro Polyclinic.
She said that for nearly two hours, doctors and nurses tried everything to get him on a saline drip. Kaleel was dangerously dehydrated after nonstop vomiting, but no matter how hard they searched, they just couldn’t find a vein.
“My baby never make it…my baby just collapsed…,” she added. (CMC)
