Manning's pills did not work, results of blood tests delayed for 3 weeks

Patrick Manning's sister told reporters Monday blood tests on the former prime minister revealed that a pill to regulate the quality of his blood appeared to have failed.

Dr. Petronella Manning Alleyne also said it took three weeks for her brother to get the results of blood tests performed on January 6 this year.

She spoke about what the blood tests uncovered, noting that the drugs currently used for cardiac patients could be putting them at risk.

She said although her brother had his heart surgery in Cuba, his medication was sourced locally. However she said the source of the drugs is questionable.

"We are sourcing medication from areas of the world where standards are questionable and may not be effective because of limitations,” Manning-Alleyne said.

She said there was evidence the medication her brother was taking to prevent him from developing a stroke had failed him.

Manning-Alleyne said her brother was using a drug known as Warfarin since 2004 to thin his blood. The drug is an oral anticoagulant that inhibits the synthesis of clotting factors, thus preventing blood clot formation, which can occur in the veins of the lower extremities, usually after periods of immobility.

“For some reason it (the pill) broke down at the beginning of 2012," she said. "I would like to know, really, why did it break down and we need to ensure that whatever happened there doesn’t happen again not only to him, but to other members of the public who need to access that kind of care.”

Manning suffered a stroke on January 23 and was admitted to the San Fernando General Hospital. He was having difficulty walking on his own and his speech was also affected.

Last week the government approved $600,000 to cover the ost of an air ambulance to take him to the Walter Reed Hospital in Washington DC for specialised treatment. He left for the U.S. Monday morning along with his wife and a medical team.

Newsday's exclusive picture of former PM Patrick Manning just before he left for the US by air ambulance Monday morning

He will undergo four to six weeks of therapy there. "There is no question that where he has gone, the services are far superior to what we can offer.” Manning-Allenye told reporters.

In a statement Monday, Manning's sons - Brian and David - thanked Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan, Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley and the staff at the SFGH for their support and prayers.