Quebec officials are expressing anger following the tragic passing of a four-year-old child in the Nunavik village of Ivujivik amid allegations that the youngster was denied necessary medical care.
In a press statement released on Thursday, Sol Zanetti, a spokesperson for Québec Solidaire, is demanding accountability in the case of Jusi Padlayat, who reportedly succumbed on August 3 after his parents sought medical attention for his stomach complaints at the local clinic multiple times without receiving treatment.
According to an interview with La Presse, Padlayat’s grandmother, Annie Mangiuk, claimed that the family’s pleas were disregarded by medical personnel who advised them to administer over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil or Tylenol.
Mangiuk recounted to La Presse that Padlayat was discovered unconscious on August 1 and was initially taken to the local nursing station before being transferred to the Montreal Children’s Hospital, where he tragically passed away two days later.
Zanetti condemned the delay in addressing the child’s suffering as unacceptable and raised concerns of potential neglect, urging for a thorough investigation to determine if systemic racism played a role in the incident.
Furthermore, the Quebec Liberal Party (QLP) is advocating for enhanced healthcare services in northern regions, proposing increased telemedicine options as a viable solution to ensure equitable access to medical care for all residents.
In response to the tragedy, the Joyce’s Principle Office emphasized the importance of upholding dignity and respect in healthcare services for First Nations and Inuit communities, drawing parallels to the case of Joyce Echaquan, whose death spurred calls for reform in the healthcare system.
Both the Inuulitsivik Health Centre and the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services have confirmed that both internal and external reviews will be conducted regarding the child’s death.
The Quebec coroners office has initiated an investigation into the incident, while the Montreal Children’s Hospital declined to comment on specific cases.