The relatives of 22-year-old Somattie Singh, who died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in September under questionable circumstances, want the hospital to give them some straight answers about her death.

Speaking to Stabroek News yesterday, Baby Sankar said that since her daughter’s death when they were asked to submit statements they had been left in virtual darkness. When they did contact the hospital they were given little or no information, she said.

Singh, of Mahaicony Creek, died on September 22 after she was reportedly forced to walk to the washroom instead of being given a bedpan, which her relatives had repeatedly asked for. The woman had a pre-existing heart condition for which doctors required her to wear an oxygen mask at all times. A nursing assistant forced the young woman to walk to the washroom having removed the mask, according to family members; a charge the assistant denies.

Baby Sankar said that last week her family contacted Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GPHC, Michael Khan, whose secretary informed them that they should visit his office yesterday for an update on the matter.

However, when her husband turned up at Khan’s office yesterday, he was told that the CEO was not in.

She questioned why it was the hospital could not give them a clear update as to what was the next step in the investigation rather than them depending on the newspaper for information.

Stabroek News was unable to contact either Khan or the Director of Medical and Professional Services, Dr Madan Rambarran, on the issue.

A statement from the hospital last week had stated that the final recommendation from the Human Resources Department was expected on Friday.

The hospital’s statement had said that the Medical Council of Guyana had reviewed the report prepared by the hospital and its observations were passed to the human resources department.