Minister Deyalsingh Failed Katherine Akum Lum
We were sick to our stomachs, with the rest of the country, reading about the terrifying and heart-wrenching ordeal of Ms. Katherine Akum Lum at the hands of the NWRHA.
According to one report, “Akum Lum, who was then 51, went to the St James Medical Complex for a hysterectomy on June 12, 2019 and lye was used for the pelvic wash rendering the single mother, a former civil engineer, bed-ridden since.”
Reading the story sounds like something from a horror movie. One can hardly comprehend the pain and suffering Ms. Akum Lum underwent.
While Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh wasn’t at the operating theater, the buck stops with him. This is what all PNM Ministers must learn, whether in National Security, in Health, or whatever Ministry.
As Minister of Health, Deyalsingh’s first order of priority was to seek emergency medical treatment for Ms. Akum Lum. His second order of priority was to fire those responsible for the day-to-day running of the hospital. Given that two and a half years have passed with no one being held accountable and Ms. Akum Lum still suffering from this ordeal, the Minister has failed in his duty.
Over 3,400 covid deaths under Deyalsingh’s reign of medical malpractice should not be compounded by such horrific occurrences; but this is what we suffer under the PNM.
It is unimaginable to think about the pain and agony Ms. Akum Lum had to endure — both physically and emotionally — over the past two years.
We wish to thank former Attorney-General Anand Ramlogan for standing by her side through this difficult time.
Most of all, we pray for God to give her encouragement and strength, and to restore her health.
National Women’s Arm
United National Congress