TT: Update on medical affairs

Health Minister John Rahael is due to meet several medical specialists today to develop a programme for carrying out kidney transplants in Trinidad.
...
Rahael said he hoped that regulations governing the Tissue Transplant Act 2000 will be completed by July 31. He said the Ministry was in the process of establishing a bank for storing organs that will be used for local transplants.

Commenting on the increasing number of deaths from patients who went to Pakistan for kidney transplants, Rahael had said it was not advisable to go to Pakistan for such operations. He told the Express last week: "I understand people are going to Pakistan to purchase kidneys because it is cheaper there, but from what I understand, the aftercare is not up to the necessary standard and patients run into difficulties after the operation." Rahael said the Ministry had taken a decision to stop giving financial assistance to patients travelling to Pakistan for transplants.

Seven Trinidadians are known to have died in recent months following operations in Pakistan.

Well, duh! I wonder what was the first clue that it wasn't advisable to go to Pakistan for transplant ops?

Also, same old-same old! Pity those who need surgery in TT.

All nine operating theatres at the San Fernando General Hospital remained shut yesterday as staff nurses working in them did not report for duty, while senior nurses were locked in discussions with management to resolve an issue involving a consultant attached to the anaesthetist department and the nursing staff.