Andre Perez Breaks Silence on San Pedro Healthcare Concerns

Area Representative for Belize Rural South, Andre Perez, is finally speaking out about the tragic death of two-year-old Kaleel Nah and the alleged failure of the San Pedro Polyclinic that treated him. Perez admits the situation is deeply unfortunate and, sadly, not the first of its kind. So, what’s being done to fix the healthcare challenges on the island? Well, construction is already underway on a brand-new hospital. Here’s what Perez had to say about it.

 

Andre Perez, Area Representative, Belize Rural South

“First of all I really want to say publicly how it is so hurtful. I know the grandfather very well. I know the family very well and I have stayed in touch with them and it s regrettable and you cannot express the pain the family is going through and in light of that, this is the same reason we are building this new hospital, because this is not the first time it has occurred. Eight years ago, we lost one of the young ladies who was pregnant. She passed away at one of the airline offices while trying to catch a flight to Belize City. So, while this is something that occurred and I am feeling the pain for the family, my push towards building the hospital you want to put up and have it running by the end of next year.”

 

Paul Lopez

“There have been persistent complaints about the polyclinic. Have we looked at staffing, professionalism, capacity and capabilities of the health workers there?”

 

Andre Perez

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I have discussed that with the minister of health. He has visited the polyclinic and understand that and he listens to the concerns of the nurses and the doctors cause again the resources are limited over there. But giving them hope that next year for sure they will be in a better place where they can work in an environment that is more conducive to inspire and work and treat people well.”

 

Paul Lopez

“So, the problem is low moral due to a lack of resources?”

 

Andre Perez

“Part of it, but I am not justifying that people are just complaining about the lack of services there. The polyclinic is overwhelmed. It is a huge town, over twenty-five thousand people living and we have a small clinic. So sometimes you understand the frustration. I am not condoning it.”