By Brianna Bennett,Kaleel Nah
Copyright greaterbelize
Autopsy Reveals Baby Kaleel Nah Died from Respiratory Failure
Last week, we told you about the heartbreaking case of baby Kaleel Nah and the questions surrounding his death while enroute from San Pedro. At that time, the Ministry of Health had only promised an investigation, and the family was still waiting for answers. Tonight, we have more answers. The autopsy confirmed that baby Kaleel died from acute respiratory failure, and lab tests showed he had the H1N1 flu virus. The infection made him very weak, causing vomiting and dehydration, making it difficult for doctors at the polyclinic to find a vein. Still, the larger question remains: did the San Pedro Polyclinic provide enough care? The ministry has now forwarded the case to the Medical Council to determine if negligence played a role, and if any disciplinary action is needed. We spoke by phone with the Director of Hospital and Allied Health, Doctor Jorge Polanco, who walked us through what they know so far and what happens next.
Via Phone: Dr. Jorge Polanco, Director of Hospital and Allied Health, MOHW
“We have looked at the different reports of the doctors and the nurse that attended to the infant. We have looked at the report of the autopsy. We have discussed it internally. We had a peer review committee to review the entire, all the reports. And right now what we are doing, is that we are seeking the advice of the Medical Council to give us advice as to what would have been, if there was any negligence or not. You use the word flaw, if there was any flaw or not. So that is where we are. We have already sent the documents to the Medical Council, and we will see what they advise us.”
Benita Keme-Palacio
“So that is considered like part of the investigation?”
Dr. Jorge Polanco
“Yes, yes, yes, because we want to hear from them, because this is the entity that has to do with the quality of practice. So all our doctors can have their cases reviewed by the council, if the ministry, or in this case, we see it fit. So this is still pending, because the documents were only sent to the medical council today.”
