When “Zero Tolerance” Meets Silence in Belize’s Healthcare System

What happens when investigations drag on without answers? It’s been over a month since the death of two-year-old Kaleel Nah, the little boy who died as his parents desperately tried to get him to the mainland for medical care unavailable on the island.

The toddler’s death on the way from Ambergris Caye to Belize City exposed the reality of healthcare in rural and island communities, whether it be a shortage of trained staff, limited medication, or equipment that proves scarce to handle emergencies.

Weeks later, on October 25, tragedy struck again. This time, 92-year-old Eusebio Espinosa Sr died while waiting for medical attention in the triage area of the Northern Regional Hospital. His son, Eusebio Espinosa Jr, told News 5 he pleaded with nurses and other staff to see his father but was told to “wait outside” because they were “too busy.”

By the time help arrived, it was too late.

In both cases, the Ministry of Health and Wellness issued statements promising thorough investigations and accountability. It’s been over a month since Little Kaleel’s death, and the last information shared was that the ministry’s peer review committee had reviewed medical and autopsy reports and referred the matter to the Medical Council of Belize to determine whether negligence occurred.

“We are trying to see if there was a flaw, and if that is the case, then what measures we will take to address it,” Director of Hospital Services and Allied Health, Dr Jorge Polanco, said on September 12.

No further update has been provided on that investigation.

News 5 also reached out for an update on the death of Espinosa Sr, to which Dr Polanco said the ministry is “still putting reports together.”

On Sunday, October 26, Minister of Health and Wellness Kevin Bernard boldly declared that his ministry has “zero tolerance for any staff who fail in their duty to serve the people of Belize with dignity and urgency.”