Health Ministry accepts responsibility for death of Nekeisha Caine, doctors to face disciplinary action

File Photo: Colin Joseph, Nekeisha Caine's common law spouse, delivers an emotional farewell at the funeral

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has accepted liability for the death of Nekeisha Caine and her unborn baby. Caine died at the Port of Spain General Hospital on November 2. An autopsy revealed that she died after choking on her own vomit.

The Ministry of Health conducted an investigation and forwarded the report to Attorney General Anand Ramlogan. Health Minister Therese Baptiste-Cornelis gave reporters details of Ramlogan's recommendations, which she called unprecedented.

She said the AG stated: "Having reviewed the case notes, I find little fault with the strong criticisms of the manner with which this case was dealt with. And on this matter, I expect that the government will have to accept responsibility for the tragic death of Ms. Caine."

The AG also recommended "suitable compensation" for the bereaved family, and disciplinary action against the doctors involved.

The minister said the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) would be instructed to discuss with Caine's family "a suitable, amicable solution in terms of compensation."

With respect to disciplinary recommendations regarding certain doctors involved in the case she said "that will be dealt with by the NWRHA board."

Baptiste-Cornelis said standard operating procedures implemented by the ministry were not being followed in dealing with Caine's case.

"What we did notice in this case and other cases is that many times the policies and procedures that have been laid down by the Ministry of Health, via the CMO's office, were not being adhered to for reasons known only best to those who chose not to adhere to them," she said.

Caine's relatives are happy about the development. They say they can finally get some closure after the loss.

The woman's common law spouse, Colin Joseph, said: "I mean no amount of money could compensate for the life that I lost. I am thankful that everything came out in the open and nothing was covered up. They always say they always cover up things in Trinidad."