SENIOR DOCTORS EXAMINED SHARMA

FYzabad MP Chandresh Sharma reported to Port-of-Spain General Hospital four hours after the incident between himself and Housing Minister Dr Keith Rowley that he was allegedly slapped in the face and chest. He was “seen by the POD” (physican on duty) and reviewed by senior doctors, Dr Vishnu Pooran and Dr Brian Bocage. The Hospital Notes revealed that Sharma was “brought in by colleagues” at 5.15 pm. He reported to the doctor that he was “slapped to the right cheek and cuffed to the head and chest and he complained of pain in the right cheek and chest.” The Notes said his blood pressure was 153 over 104 and his blood sugar was 319 miligrammes per decilitre. (This is three times above the normal range which is 70-90 miligrammes per decilitre).  

The Notes revealed no treatment was administered to Sharma for the facial and chest injuries which he is alleged to have sustained in the incident. However, the medical report stated that he was treated for his blood sugar and blood pressure. He was given ten milligrammes of Enalapril, a blood pressure medication, after which his pressure dropped slightly to 153 over 95. He was also given Humilan, a type of insulin used to reduce blood sugar, after which his blood sugar had dropped to 193 miligrammes per  decilitre. Sharma was also given an ECG and then discharged at 6.05 pm, contrary to reports which suggested that he was warded overnight.

The physican, whose signature is illegible, filled out the Medical Report Form given under Section 127 of the Summary Courts Act, and stated that he examined Sharma at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital and found him to be suffering from the following injuries: “soft tissue injury to the face, chest and right hand.” On the form is printed the words — “The injuries were probably inflicted with “a blunt object with mild to moderate force.” The Form is stamped by the Accident and Emergency Department Port-of-Spain General Hospital.