THE DEATH of an infant boy on Sunday (June 4), born a few months premature, has attracted the attention of the Premier and the National Health Insurance Board after an online furore broke out about health coverage.
The baby, who is the son of two popular local personalities, passed away due to complications with his birth that could not have been attended to at the TCI Hospital, this publication has learned.
Konnor Smith was set to be airlifted overseas for treatment, but passed away before the arrangements were finalised.
Media reports, and some social media interactions, threw the blame on the National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP), with a number of accusations being bandied about favouritism and preferential treatment.
It is alleged that the Smith family wanted the baby to be airlifted to a country that is not covered under the NHIP, and that this caused a number of delays as efforts were being made to work out an appropriate arrangement.
Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, took to the airwaves shortly after the online dispute erupted, first to clarify her Government’s position as well as to address what she called rumours in relation to the incident.
During an appearance on the Expressions Radio show this past week, she sent out condolences to the bereaved family, and called on residents to desist from spreading inaccurate information.
She stated: “There are policies that are in place as it regards to NHIP and it is so important that no one plays politics with the lives, especially, of children.
“Despite the rumours, I want to say that as the Minister of Finance thank you to the Minister of Health who had responsibility for this matter earlier.”
She added that she will become involved in the issue later on from a financial standpoint.
Directly addressing the rumours, the Premier said that the WhatsApp message that has been circulating accusing two members of Cabinet of seeking preferential treatment in the matter is wholly inaccurate.
She stated that while the members are related to the family, neither of the Cabinet members called her to ask for any preferential treatment.
InterHealth Canada then also distanced itself from any wrongdoing in the child’s death.
The hospital statement read: “The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is committed to excellence in service in accordance with evidenced based guidelines.
“Our heartfelt condolences is extended to the family on what is a challenging time.
“We are unable to provide further information due to respect for the parents and family and in accordance with patient confidentiality policies.”
NHIP then chimed in with their expression of condolences at the death of baby Smith, stating they are “aware that there has been a lot of misinformation, innuendo and fallacies in the public domain about the level of assistance that was offered to the family regarding the care of baby Smith”.
The organisation added that they acted collaboratively with TCI Hospital, the Ministry of Health and the parents of Konnor Smith within the established policies and norms of the Treatment Abroad Programme.
“We continue to uphold the highest standards of ethical practice which precludes us from publicly discussing or disclosing confidential information about the assistance offered or provided to our beneficiaries.
“We wish to reassure the public of our commitment to managing the Treatment Abroad Programme within the existing policies and procedures that have been established for the benefit of all our beneficiaries.”
