BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC -Health authorities in two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have announced plans to investigate the deaths of two babies who recently died at medical institutions.
In Belize, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, while expressing its condolences to the family of Jenny Pinelo on the passing of her baby, said it wanted to take the opportunity to share information to clarify some concerns that relatives and the public may have.
It said contrary to media reports, the reported lack of platelets did not contribute to the death of Jenny Pinelo’s baby, and that between January 15 and January 22, at least 76 units of platelets were delivered to the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) upon request.
On January 21, the KHMH requested 18 units of platelets from the blood bank, which were immediately supplied. Again, on January 22, KHMH made another request for 23 units, and it was honoured immediately. All requests for platelets for Jenny Pinelo were honoured immediately.
“It should be noted that the blood issued to patients is not necessarily the blood units donated by the respective replacement donors; the shelf life of a blood unit is 90 days. The purpose of the blood bank is to screen and store blood so it is always readily available. However, every effort is made for the relatives to replace the blood used,” the ministry said in a statement.
It said that once a medical practitioner requests blood for a patient, the request is honoured.
“The Blood Bank of Belize has no shortage of blood, blood products, supplies, or reagents to screen the blood. Blood drives are held nationwide continuously to ensure an adequate supply.
“At the national level, all public hospitals, including the KHMH, have sufficient stock available, especially on weekends. “ A medical technologist is ALWAYS on call should there be a need,” the ministry said, adding that the public is assured that the blood bank is given priority to ensure that all necessary reagents and supplies for blood and blood products are available.”
In Guyana, the Ministry of Health said it is aware of and regrets an unfortunate incident that occurred at the New Amsterdam Hospital involving 26-year-old Kelisha Pestano, who was approximately 24 weeks and 5 days pregnant when she came to the hospital on January 14 with complaints of lower back pain and mild per vaginal bleeding, without uterine contractions.
The ministry said that she was assessed and diagnosed as a case of threatened abortion with a previable fetus and was admitted to the ward for ongoing care and management. It said Pestano was counselled regarding the prognosis and potential outcomes should her condition progress to a spontaneous miscarriage.
“During the course of her admission, Ms Pestano subsequently developed uterine contractions and progressed to a spontaneous miscarriage in the early hours of 15 January 2026, resulting in the delivery of a previable fetus.
“Based on an initial visual assessment, the fetus was presumed to be deceased. A previable fetus is defined as one that is not yet capable of surviving outside the uterus, even with medical support; therefore, fetal resuscitative efforts are not medically indicated.
“The fetus was subsequently handed over to relatives. The relatives later observed that the fetus showed signs of life, following which the fetus was returned to the hospital. Supportive care was provided; however, despite these efforts, the fetus was eventually declared deceased.”
The Ministry of Health acknowledges the “distress caused by this incident and expresses its deep regret for the circumstances surrounding this outcome” as it extended its sincere condolences to Ms Pestano and her family during this difficult time.
“The Ministry has initiated a review of the circumstances surrounding this incident to ensure that established clinical protocols were followed and to identify any areas for improvement in patient care and communication. Appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of this review.
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to upholding the highest standards of care and to ensuring compassion, professionalism, and respect in the delivery of health services across Guyana,” the statement added.
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