In June of 2009, there were protests in the streets of Punta Gorda Town because in just two weeks, two babies died because of alleged indifference by medical staff at the Town Hospital. That was after the deaths of Babies Andy Jones Jr. and Evander Sho.
The protests and the names have faded from the headlines but the taint remains at the long - neglected facility. That's why today the ministry of health pulled out all the bells and whistles for the launching of a baby friendly hospital initiative at the hospital.
Now, after what happened just 15 months ago, you may be shaking your head at the term, Baby Friendly for the PG hospital, but it's an accreditation given by UNICEF for hospitals that promote breastfeeding.
Still, for an institution battling back from a negative public relations balance - the stamp of approval is a plus and health Minister Pablo Marin proudly blew his ministry's horn:....
Pablo Marin, Minister of Health
"The matter of being a friendly hospital initiative aims to get every baby the best start in life by creating a healthy care environment where breast feeding is the norm. Exclusive breast feeding for the first 6 months helps to give the new baby the best possible start in life. Before any hospital receives this award it must comply with international standards, and must then allow an independent assessment team to visit the facility. This is the process successfully completed by the Punta Gorda hospital that we celebrate today. When breast feeding; it make a bond closer from mother to child."
The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative has been instituted at the KHMH, the northern regional in Orange Walk and The Corozal Hospital and now Punta Gorda...
