AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Belize Life News Child dead at childbirth: lack of Health Facility

I may be jumping in here and get in over my head, but is there a reason that the doctor that looked at the pregnant woman and declared that she needed an emergency C-section didn't do it? I mean if it is an EMERGENCY, seems like most any trained doctor could do it. I am talking an absolute emergency, where a life will be lost if it isn't done. I believe that all doctors are trained to do basic surgery, which might do in a situation like this.
I mean, if my vet can do an emergency C-section on a goat in a barn, surely a C-section could be performed on a human in a relatively clean environment somewhere.

Unfortunatly, it is not quite that simple. Among other things there is no way to provide anethesia on the island.

And we need an anesthesiologist to go with the anesthesia.

AND a blood bank, and 24 hour medical and nursing services to care for the post op patient.

So right Natalie - the list just goes on and on.

But it is time to make this happen. I want to see the politician that will guarantee to make this a number one top priority. San Pedro needs a hospital and it needs it now.

Not to mention a good lab complex. None of it is cheap but what price do we put on our lives and the lives of our children?
On the financial side, the lack of medical facilities keeps San Pedro from becoming a retirement haven. Many want to be here but because of the health care issues just will not take that chance.

There are many factors that go into a proper EMS system. We have a doctor that posts here from the states that is VERY interested in helping the island at his own expense. All he would need is governmental approval to practice medicine in Belize. He is willing to open his own operating room and facility. There are a lot of people that post here that think that is a bad thing, because he would take a job away from a Belizean doctor.
Most of you knew Dr. Tina and her dealings with the government.
There has to be changes made in the local thought process.
There are many doctors, paramedics and EMT's on here with great ideas on how to come up with a viable medical response system.

Until the GOB cares and takes some type of action, nothing will change. It takes $$$.

A minor heart attack on the island could easily kill you. Getting hit by a taxi or golf cart could prove fatal.

Imagine a town of 20,000+ spread over 20 miles, with 2,000 of them SCUBA diving and partying like a rock star most of the time, and another 3,000 of them kids...without an ambulance service or ER.

The medical board will approve non-Belizean doctors license to practice in Belize but these doctors are required to first serve at a government hospital facility for a certain period of time as well as satisfy other licensing requirements.

Unfortunately we don't have to imagine the town you are describing -we are living it everyday and playing with fate 24/7.

Absolutely the GOB needs to get some priorities straight - and as a community the islanders must identify its priorities and then begin lobbying.

There are always a few crusaders for each of the urgent issues facing the town but it is tough to get the full backing of the voting community until issues hit crisis point and actually affect the residents lives directly. So from time to time a family here and there may realize the problems of health care and make these problems known to the majority - but once the crisis has passed they just go back to their regular lives.

The best way to get the GOB to stand up and take notice is to have strong, incorruptible, dedicated, educated and passionate representation. And one man alone cannot take up this plight - it will take a concerted and organized effort.

What ever happened to the Ambulance? I can remember raising money for it years ago when we had a restaurant.

Let me know if I can assist in any way Amanda. I have a feeling you are going to lead the charge on this one, eventually.