‘Thorough, transparent’ investigation promised after boy dies from dengue, other complications

The Ministry of Health said it launched a full investigation into the death of 12-year-old Lokesh Ibrahim, who died after complications with dengue fever on Wednesday.

The ministry, in a statement, said, the “investigation will be thorough and transparent, and any necessary actions or disciplinary measures will be taken based on the findings.”

Further: “We are deeply concerned by the circumstances surrounding this case and have therefore launched a full investigation into the events leading up to Lokesh’s death, including the handling of his case by medical personnel at the Skeldon Hospital,” the ministry said in a statement.

A three-member team, comprising the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Narine Singh; Internal Medicine Specialist, Dr. Shazeema Shaw, and General Surgeon Shiek Amir has been appointed to lead this investigation.

Additionally, the Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo and the Regional Health Officer of Region Six, Dr Vineshri Khirodhar will be visiting the the young boy’s family on Friday.

Lokesh’s mother first took him to the Skeldon Hospital on Saturday. The family were given pain medication and told to return for tests on Tuesday.

By Tuesday, Lokesh’s condition had worsened and his mother took him back to the hospital. Lokesh remained at the Skeldon Hospital until 21:00hrs, during which time his condition deteriorated rapidly and he was then transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he died.

A post-mortem examination conducted on Thursday showed that Lokesh suffered a brain edema, kidney failure, and lung failure with internal bleeding.

His family is convinced he could have been saved had the doctors at the Skeldon Hospital took his illness seriously.

Region Six has reported a concerning 332 new dengue fever cases for April 2025. Lokesh is among two children who died recently from dengue-related complications.