Cabinet has given the green light to write off $54 million in debts owed to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital by its patients. Health and Wellness Minister Kevin Bernard mentioned that this includes debts racked up by those hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kevin Bernard
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness
“We committed in Plan Belize to making healthcare accessible and equitable. We committed in Plan Belize to always work to making the lives of Belizean better, to making decision in the best interest of our people and country. Today I stand before you to announce with great pride, that our Cabinet has given its approval for the KHMHA to take the lead with the write off of fifty-four million dollars in uncollected death, specifically for the period March 2009, to April 2022. This amounts includes debts accrued during the COVID years, a time when many of our citizens face unprecedented challenges. This is Plan Belize at work.”
A family from Yo Creek, Orange Walk is left with many unanswered questions after a loved one tragically passed away shortly after returning home from the hospital early Sunday morning. Rolando Garcia was either harmed or had an accident while riding his bicycle in the early hours of Sunday. He was found in a ditch, submerged in water, and rushed to the Northern Regional Hospital for treatment. Garcia had a gash on his head and received stitches, but his family was shocked to find him back home just a few hours after they were informed, he had been taken to the hospital. News Five’s Marion Ali brings us more on this puzzling and heartbreaking story.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Rolando Garcia left home on Saturday night, telling his family he was off to hang out with friends, just like he did every Saturday after work. Tragically, less than 24 hours later, the construction worker was found submerged in a ditch on the roadside. His family is left with more questions than answers about what happened after he left home and why he was discharged so quickly from the Northern Regional Hospital early Sunday morning. His nephew, Mark Cabrera, shared with News Five that they were shocked to find Garcia at home on Sunday morning, especially after receiving a call the night before saying he had been taken to the hospital.
Mark Cabrera
Mark Cabrera, Nephew of Deceased
“He told me he was feeling dizzy. His breathing was very labored and he had trouble breathing. He had very shallow breathing, of course, and he had a lot of noise. You could hear wheezing exactly when he was breathing. So thereafter, we contacted my aunt as well to come look for him and we took him inside. I asked him what happened because I saw his head was bandaged up all over and it seemed like the gauze was here (pointing). So I asked him what happened to you? Did someone hit you? Did you fall? He mentioned he doesn’t remember. And, it was not even fifteen minutes after him being there when he started sort of convulsing, I guess, because he said he wanted to spit every time he’s spitting and spitting, I noticed he’s spitting blood.”
“The situation went from bad to worse in no time,” Cabrera recounted. His uncle’s condition deteriorated rapidly, and before they could rush him back to the hospital, he was already limp and motionless.
Mark Cabrera
“He mentioned that he wanted to sleep, that he was tired so we’re speaking, you know, let’s wait a little longer. My aunt is coming and so he was speaking to my mom when he started convulsing. When I looked at him, his eyes were sort of rolling over the place and same time my aunt reached right at the nick of time. We managed to put him in the back of the pickup. We rushed along the way. I was giving him CPR in the back of the pickup, but as soon as we pass, I say around Cuello’s, I saw that his eyes roll back and he became limp. Now that we reached the hospital, I told the doctors my uncle was just released maybe an hour, two hours ago, because we didn’t know exactly how long he was there. The doctors and nurses that came out, they looked at him, they were stunned. Right because they just had attended to him.”
Cabrera shared that when he questioned the medical team about why his uncle was released so quickly, they claimed Rosado had discharged himself voluntarily. However, Cabrera revealed that before his uncle passed away, he told him the exact opposite.
Mark Cabrera
“I was asking them what happened. I mean my uncle was just here you guys should have him for observation. They should have taken care of him. I didn’t know how big his cut was until I was giving him CPR and the bandage fell off. That’s when I saw it was like maybe like four fingers. I was speaking to the doctor, I guess the one in charge. I asked him what happened. I mean my uncle came and you guys didn’t provide proper and due care to my uncle, just stitched him. First they had mentioned that he had already released himself.”
Marion Ali
“Did he tell you before he died if he walked out voluntarily or did they release him?”
Mark Cabrera
“No, he told me that they had released him.”
Marion Ali
“He said they released him?”
Mark Cabrera
“Yeah, they released him, yes.”
Marion Ali
“And what are they saying to you now?”
Mark Cabrera
“They mentioned that he released himself, that he decided to go.”
Whether Garcia left the hospital on his own or was discharged is one of the many questions currently under investigation. Felix Rhaburn, the manager of the Northern Regional Hospital, is at the center of this inquiry.
Marion Ali
“Can you say at this point, whether he voluntarily walked out, released himself, or was released by the hospital?”
Felix Rhaburn
Felix Rhaburn, Manager, Northern Regional Hospital
“That is also a part of the investigation.”
Marion Ali
“Is there anything you can share with us preliminarily at this stage?”
Felix Rhaburn
“That it is under investigation.”
Marion Ali
“What about first observations that the medical team made when he came in?”
Felix Rhaburn
“That’s also a part of the investigation.”
Marion Ali
“Can you say when this information will be released?”
Felix Rhaburn
“It is very dependent on the schedule of the postmortem examination.”
Marion Ali
“For the scope of the investigation, who all will be interviewed?”
Felix Rhaburn
“For the investigation, we normally interview the people who had direct contact with the client, and we also go on the report of the postmortem examination.”
Marion Ali
“That would be standard procedure for an investigation?”
Felix Rhaburn
“For the nature of this case, yes.”
The Minister of Health has chosen to hold off on making any comments until the investigation is fully completed.
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness
“I will not respond to something that I don’t have proper information on. So I have, our team is investigating the matter to find out exactly what really transpired. Before I can comment, I prefer to wait until I get a full briefing from the regional manager and through Dr. Polanco, who was doing the research and investigation on that issue.”
On Tuesday, the National Health Insurance (NHI) team met with medical professionals in Belmopan to talk about rolling out NHI in the area. The government is getting ready to accept bids from primary care providers to serve Belmopan residents under the NHI program. They aim to have NHI available across the entire Cayo District by mid-2025. Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard, shared more details about the plan for nationwide coverage.
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness
“As you are aware, the rollout of the entire district has commenced. There have been consultations that is taking place. The plan is that by the end of this year, we should have NHI across the entire country. So there is a process. I think that in May, we are looking at targeting the Cayo side and then Belmopan city, and then we go on to the other surrounding villages because Cayo district is very huge. It is our hope that by the end of the year, as I said, we would have full coverage of NHI across te entire country.”
In November, Minister of Health and Wellness Kevin Bernard and Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children Rosanna Briceño met with health officials to discuss Belize’s Memorandum of Understanding with Merida’s Hospital Horan. The government aims to provide treatment access for juvenile cancer patients in Belize and eventually expand to adult radiotherapy. Minister Bernard shared an update on this important initiative.
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness
“There was an MOU that had existed that had expired. We have gone into, myself my CEO and Dr. Musa, along with my Special Envoy for families and children, we visited the Iran hospital executive team. We wanted to go earlier, but due to their transition change of presidents and the organization management team had some shifts. So we had a very successful meeting earlier this year with them. We are at the final stage of renewing that MOU. They are providing support, continuous support services for our children, young children who need that service. However, we wanted to also, we went to speak with them to see how they can assist further with women who need that service. We haven’t been able to sign to that yet because as they are, they have said as well, they have to look at the capacity that they can afford. And so with the expansion that they’re doing in Merida, then we will be able to sit down back, hopefully by the end of this year, early next year to look at that support that can come for our females. But the ministry is always looking at ways and means how we can continue to support those affected by this very dreadful disease. And we remain committed to ensure that we continue to build that partnership with the Horan Hospital, but at the same time continue to support these organizations, these local organizations in being able to have support as well, services for these persons suffering from these illnesses.”
Recently, there have been reports of a shortage of Risperidone in Belize. This medication is crucial for treating psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia because it’s both affordable and effective. We spoke with the Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard, about the ministry’s plan to tackle this shortage.
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness
“If you’re referring to patients suffering from mental illness, there has been some issues but the Ministry continuously tries our very best to procure these medications in a timely manner. There are times that it’s very out of our control. But just recently, I know we, we recently ordered some of these urgent medications. These are very delicate medications and we are making sure we can make these available in a very timely manner. I cannot speak much to that, but I can tell you that we are doing very everything possible to ensure that we have supply in the country so that we’re able to attend to our patients that needs these services. Now, we have people that are host at the Palm View Center and other facilities that we do provide these services. The demand and supply chain sometimes constantly disrupts our medication supplies. And so we have to look around and see how best we can address those things. But let me assure those persons and those families that we’re doing our very best to ensure that we have those medication supplies so we can provide to those who need them.”
Since his inauguration a few weeks ago, President Donald Trump has cut funding for several foreign aid initiatives. This decision has impacted various programs in Belize, especially those providing healthcare assistance. We spoke with Minister of Health, Kevin Bernard, to find out how Belize plans to continue offering modern healthcare to its citizens despite the loss of additional funding.
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness
“Well remember that we continue to benefit from the technical support that these people will provide. And while the U.S. pulled away, I think it’s just a temporary pulling away, I’m pretty sure, from the World Health Organization, Belize continues to benefit from many other things, but we are doing our part. And this is the reason why the NHI rolled out the being provided to our citizens to be able to help people have access to free primary health care, almost free. Secondary fees that we have removed across this country also give access to health care. Ms. Kim, Simplis Barrow mentioned in her message today. that we want to see the barriers removed for women to have access to HPV [vaccines]. And it is a fact that we have removed those barriers, and this is the reason why health care access is affordable in this country. So despite that challenge, we will continue to do what we can to ensure that we move our country forward and to continue to build a resilient health system. And as I said, the health system is not just built on the funding, but it’s also built on the resilience and the technical support that the corporation will get from other stakeholders like PAHO. They have been very instrumental in looking at our strengthening of our strategic plan, our new revised health plan that we are launching very soon. That is the commitment that we have. The elimination of cervical cancer is a commitment that Belize has put forward and many other things that we want we want to achieve over the next few years. It is important to understand that despite what is happening in the U.S. and around those issues. We continue to remain steadfast, focused, and determined to improve health care in this country.”
Belize is facing a worrying rise in cervical cancer cases, a disease that is entirely preventable. Despite this, it’s still one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, especially in low-income countries like Belize. To tackle this pressing issue, the Belize Cancer Society, the Ministry of Health, and the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) came together today to host the Empowering Women and Girls against Cervical Cancer Awareness Forum in Belize City. Our very own News Five’s Britney Gordon was on the scene to bring us the latest updates from the event.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Cervical cancer claims over thirty-four thousand lives each year in the Americas, and Belize unfortunately has one of the highest rates of both incidents and deaths in the region. The good news is that this disease is treatable and even curable, especially when detected early. To help combat this serious issue, the Belize Cancer Society hosted a cervical cancer awareness forum today, aiming to educate women on the crucial steps they can take to eliminate cervical cancer in Belize.
Kim Simplis-Barrow
Kim Simplis-Barrow, President, Belize Cancer Society
“So today we are hosting the cervical cancer forum for women and girls against cervical cancer and this, of course, this event is to create awareness and to empower women. We had the official opening this morning, and this afternoon we’ll be doing HPV testing and vaccination in partnership with the Ministry of Health and PAHO.”
The main culprit behind cervical cancer is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that’s spread through sexual contact. At today’s forum, attendees had the opportunity to get free testing and vaccinations, making it easier than ever to take proactive steps against this preventable disease.
Kevin Bernard
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness
“It’s also very important to also note that young boys can also carry the virus and pass it on to a female. And it is about education, it’s about caring, and I think the forum will also allow for persons who have gone through this issue and survived the, this dreadful disease. to share their experiences and to encourage others to take advantage of the support that is available to them.”
Great news for Belizeans! The HPV vaccine is available at no cost and is highly recommended for girls aged nine to fourteen. This is a fantastic opportunity to protect our young generation from cervical cancer right from the start.
Kevin Bernard
“We started when, remember, the vaccine was implemented in Belize way back in 2016. It had a cost at the time. But in 2023 when it was actually relaunched after Covid we have seen much more personal taking on the vaccines and we encourage people to continue to take that vaccine. As I said cervical cancer, which is highlighted in this world is preventable. It’s a disease that can be prevented it can be managed. And so we want to encourage people, and this form is about that. It’s about making sure you bring awareness the effects of cervical cancer. It’s also to bring awareness to females who can end up with that situation.”
The event featured an impressive lineup of panelists, including an oncologist, a non-communicable disease specialist, and a powerful testimony from a survivor.
Kim Simplis-Barrow
“The Belize Cancer Society, of course, our mandate is to advocate and empower women and girls and men and boys against cancer. It was very important because cancer is one of the most treatable and preventable diseases, cancers. And so for us, it’s very important to, as we reflect on where we are as a country in terms of cervical cancer, to do more so that we can really and truly eliminate cervical cancer in Belize.”
By spreading the word and encouraging regular screenings, Belizeans can save the lives of countless women and girls, while also easing the burden on our healthcare system.
Kevin Bernard
“Belize signed on to the elimination initiative for cervical cancer, and that’s where we want to go. By the end of 2030, it’s a global challenge that we all signed on to see that we could eliminate cancer, cervical cancer, across the globe.”
In today’s interview, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams revisited the shooting incident involving PC Sheldon Arzu and twenty-four-year-old Emil Rivers in Independence Village. Reports indicate that Rivers was experiencing mental health issues during his encounter with the officers. ComPol Williams admitted that the department needs to improve how officers handle situations involving individuals with mental health struggles.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“I believe we failed or we are failing our officers to some extend in not providing the relevant training and tools to be able to address mental health issues. Mental health is becoming more and more a reality in our country. You will find that people who do not even have a history with mental health would suddenly develop a mental health issue. I think we must do more to sensitize our officers in terms of how to deal with people with mental health issues, as well as give them the right tools to be able to address when matters reaches that stage where force needs to be used. Regrettably the only thing available to officers is their firearm with lethal ammunition. I wish and I am hoping we will change that shortly. I am in communication with my senior command to see what we can do to change that. We want to make sure we can equip every police station with shotgun and rubber bullets and instead of using lethal weapons in these circumstances we can use the rubber bullet to decelerate the situations that reaches that level. In process I will discuss with the minister as well as the minister of human development to see what we can do. We can also look at introducing tasers. We don’t have laws that govern the use of tasers. We might have to go to AG and see how we can get tasers into the police act to include tasers as part of the weapon police can use.”
Blood is essential for every living person. It plays a crucial role in delivering oxygen and nutrients to our bodies and defending against harmful microorganisms. In medical emergencies, a shortage of blood can be life-threatening. That’s why having a steady supply of blood donors is so important for the health of our community. In tonight’s edition of Belize on Reel, we shine a spotlight on Ronald Stuart, a remarkable Belizean who donated his hundred-and-second pint of blood earlier this month. News Five’s Britney Gordon brings us his inspiring story.
Britney Gordon
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with anemia. My doctors told me my hemoglobin count was at a six, less than half the average level for females my age. At just seventeen, I had to undergo a blood transfusion. The hardest part of this ordeal wasn’t the large needle or the long hours at the hospital but finding willing donors. If it weren’t for the generosity of Samaritans like Ronald Stuart, my life might have turned out very differently. While he wasn’t one of my donors, Ronald has donated an incredible one hundred and two pints of blood to the Belize National Transfusion Service over the past thirty years.
Ronald Stuart
Ronald Stuart, Blood Donor
“My first donation was in July of 1995, and my most recent was earlier this month, and I can give only once every three months, and it has been something that I am committed to do as long as I’m able to, because there is a need and we need to have more persons who are willing to assist because from time to time, we’d hear about persons making appeal for blood donations, but blood can only come from other human beings. So we need to be a part of making sure that the adequate supply continues to be available.”
Stuart’s journey as a blood donor began when a few coworkers encouraged him to join them in donating. Hearing heartfelt gratitude from families in need inspired him to dedicate his life to this noble cause. Nowadays, his phone is constantly buzzing with texts and calls from strangers desperate for blood. And whenever he can, Stuart is always ready to step up and help.
Ronald Stuart
“One was a foreigner whose father was in Karl Heusner, and it so happens when I came, the nurse told me that someone with your name, the spelling was different was looking for somebody for blood, but didn’t know anybody who could give. And so I told her, I said, okay I’ll give on behalf of that person. She told me afterwards that person literally cried because we have the same sounding name. And when she was experiencing need and seeking blood for her father, I showed up.”
Stuart suggests keeping a list of at least five people in your contacts who are ready and willing to donate blood on your behalf. This way, you’re prepared for any unexpected health emergencies. Adrian Martinez, the supervisor at the Belize Blood Bank, assures us that becoming a donor is a straightforward process.
Adrian Martinez
Adrian Martinez, Supervisor, Belize Blood Bank
“U sually we request for blood. blood donors to be have a clean health status, right? You need to be healthy, no medications. And we do ask some questions on travel history, and then any immunization. The questionnaire is divided into three different sections. Most of the donors need to be eighteen years old and above, up to sixty-five. You need to have a valid identification card. The questions and answers. Depends on your answer, then you might be temporarily deferred or temporarily or permanently deferred.”
The blood bank uses fourth-generation tests to screen for HIV, all subsidized by the Ministry of Health. Stuart treats every donation as if it’s his first, always making sure he’s in the best possible health to give blood. He even revealed that he hasn’t touched a soda in the last fifteen years.
Ronald Stuart
“First and foremost, being very active not necessarily going to the gym, but being physically active. I do a lot of walking I’ve been I signed up for the million steps challenge that the Belize Diabetes Association has initiated. And between the 2nd of January and the 16th of April the challenge is to complete a million steps or five hundred miles. So I have embarked on that. That’s one way. Eating very healthy minimizing the carbohydrates, drink a lot of water and adequate rest.”
Each year, the blood bank collects around seven thousand units of blood, which accounts for less than five percent of Belize’s population. Belize aims to reach a point where one hundred percent of its blood supply comes from voluntary donors. This goal is crucial for maintaining a safe blood system and offering various services at different locations.
Adrian Martinez
“When we go about, we go recruiting for voluntary blood donors. That means the blood we collect is donated free to the blood bank so that we could help others. You can be a voluntary blood donor. You don’t really have to donate for someone else because the emergency strike at different times and is It is our mandate to have blood in reserve for the general populace. By donating voluntarily, you are helping someone, you are providing a safe blood supply for our country, and then you are doing your part as a Belizean.”
Seven years after my blood transfusion, my hemoglobin count is a healthy thirteen point seven, and I’ve even become a blood donor myself. Stuart, the interim president of the Belize Blood Donors Association, is a true champion of this cause. When he’s not busy donating blood, he’s out there encouraging others to join him in the life-saving mission.
Ronald Stuart
“In most instances, the day that I’m here to give, I’m already thinking about the next three months that I’m scheduled to return and look forward to it because it is so critical for viewers and those who are listening to this newscast and this piece to understand. How much we have a role to play in making sure there’s an adequate supply. Somebody has to do it. And why not that person being you?”
The United Democratic Party’s Shadow Minister of Health is Carlos Perrera, a name that might ring a bell. He previously served as the Director of Finance at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Although his departure from the hospital over a decade ago was under less-than-ideal circumstances, he was never found guilty of any wrongdoing. Now, he’s back, championing the U.D.P.’s cause in the health sector.
Carlos Perrera, U.D.P. Shadow Minister of Health
“What is their report card/ Let us talk about the report card of the PUP since they got into power. It is very lengthy, I wont bore you. But the first hit they got was in February 2021 where several organizations clamored for better health care in PG and Placencia, because the Placencia Polyclinic was abandoned. In August 2022, nurses walked out of the Northern Regional and Corozal Community Hospital. In October 2022, the Southern Region voiced their concern to the ministry of health on medical supplies. October 2023, a continues allegation of neglect in our regional hospital. On April 2024, a neglect of allegation by patience at the Northern Regional Hospital, the backyard of the prime minister and the minister of health. Imagine that, you are the minister of health and the prime minister of this country and you have patients claiming neglect in the northern regional hospital. It should be a shame. Continuous chaos as we heard in 2024 where there were shortage of equipment and medicine at KHMH. We heard the CEO of KHMH talk about being blind sided by the workers union out of grievances, guess she was lost.”
We will have more from the press conference later on in our newscast.
