KINGSTON, Jamaica- Former President of the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association, Senator Dr Elon Thompson, is criticising President of the People’s National Party (PNP), Mark Golding, for reportedly alleging that the 24 babies who died at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital last month were ‘allowed to die.’

Thompson, in a statement, noted that Golding made the allegation during a PNP meeting on June 28 in South St Andrew.

“We are in a serious time. We are in a difficult time when 25 babies were killed, have been allowed to die. 24,” Golding was quoted saying.

“Let me begin by extending sincere condolences to all grieving parents and healthcare workers who did their best. I also note reports from the South East Regional Authority (SERHA) who consulted medical personnel and revealed that the vast majority of the babies passed away due to complications associated with prematurity & not due to an infection as occurred several years ago.

For the PNP president to allege that the babies were killed and allowed to die is reckless, insensitive and a slap in the face of parents who are no doubt grieving and dealing with a sense of loss. It is also a slap in the face of skilled and hard working doctors and nurses who I have no doubt did all they could to save the babies. It really is a terrible allegation for Golding to make and represents a continuation of a trend where the Opposition has been intentionally spreading misinformation,” Thompson said.

The senator is calling for Golding to retract the comments and apologise to the grieving parents and to the medical professional who worked tirelessly to save the babies who died from complications associated with prematurity.

12 babies die from bacterial infection at Victoria Jubilee Hospital