2 heart surgeries of a toddler brings light to St Kitts and Nevis’ Children Medical Fund

Recently, a toddler from St Kitts and Nevis underwent a life saving heart surgery with assistance from the Children Medical Fund. 

The three-year-old Dujon Bassue Jr. is now in a stable condition after receiving immediate assistance.

Bassue underwent two surgeries, first surgery was done in October, followed by his second heart surgery earlier this month at the Health City in the Cayman islands. 

As the child recovers, all eyes are on the Children’s Medical Fund started by the St Kitts and Nevis government in 2022. The toddler’s mother Dujon Bassue Jr., Seneque Mcdonald extended special thanks to the government for providing much needed support. 

Children’s Medical Fund – St Kitts and Nevis

The Children’s Medical Fund was started by the Labour Party, soon after they took office in 2022 with a vision to provide financial aid to the children suffering from severe disease or injuries.

The concept of initiating the Children’s Medical Fund was raised by Prime Minister Drew, aiming to provide medical assistance to vulnerable children.

Prime Minister Drew says the Children’s Medical Fund is a testament to their commitment towards providing financial support to people who are seeking medical help.

“Parents no longer have to rely on sponsorships in the hope of saving their children’s lives,” noted PM Drew.

Shedding light on the Children’s Medical Fund, PM Drew said that his administration is committed to provide financial help and support to all those children who are seeking medical care and attention.

Prioritizing the physical and mental health well-being, he added that he will continue to implement several initiatives in order to provide and offer the best healthcare facilities and amenities for all the citizens of the country.

How to get benefit from Children’s Medical Fund 

The fund was designed to assist the children in their medical treatment in foreign countries and according to the government, all children of St Kitts and Nevis are eligible for this. PM Drew has invited parents of the children who suffer from major diseases on several occasions and asked them to take benefit from the fund. 

Parents who want to enroll for the fund will have to contact the Ministry of Health and then send their children for medical treatments in the countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Cayman and outside the Caribbean region. 

Beneficiaries of the Children Medical Fund

Under this initiative, several children have recovered from severe diseases and injuries. Recently, the Children’s Medical Fund benefitted 9-year-old Haziek who travelled to Trinidad for his treatment and surgery on his arm after he was injured in the water by a suspected shark or other marine life on October 25, 2024

To date, around 17 children were financially assisted and sent to foreign nations for their medical treatment under Children’s Medical Fund. Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew also announced that the Children’s Medical Fund saved several crucial lives as no child between 1 to 4 have died in 2023. 

Assistance to Sick Pregnant Women

While marking the success of the Children’s Medical Fund, PM Drew announced that the fund will also provide financial assistance to the sick pregnant women for their treatment in the foreign countries. 

He said that the pregnant women who develop disease and other issues in their conditions will be assisted through the fund. 

Mother of child thanked PALS and SKN Govt

The Mother of 3-year-old Dujon Bassue Jr., Seneque Mcdonald took to her social media account and thanked PALS and the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis for their assistance in the journey of their child towards recovery after his treatment.

She added that it was the unwavering financial support by the authorities which played a crucial role in making this journey easier and possible.

Sharing the details about the health issues faced by her 3-year-old son, Seneque Mcdonald said that she stands boldly to share a testimony of God’s grace and mercy in her life.

“A few weeks ago, my son underwent open heart surgery. It was the most difficult thing I have endured in this lifetime to date. But God’s mercies kept me!! There were days when I felt like giving up but with support from my family, friends and loved ones, I pushed through and we came out victorious,” shared the mother of Dujon Bassue Jr.,” said Seneque Mcdonald.

She further said, “What the enemy meant for bad, God turned it around for good and showed me just how big and powerful of a God He truly is.”

Purpose of Heart Surgeries

The heart surgeries are usually conducted with a vision to address several problems such as heart failure, plaque buildup that blocks blood flow in a coronary artery, faulty heart valves, dilated or diseased major blood vessels, and abnormal heart rhythms.

These surgeries fixes and improves the functioning of the heart and helps in correcting all the issues or problems that people are born with or develops over time.

Health City Cayman Island’s offerings

The Health City Cayman Islands is offering a cutting-edge solution for patients with heart diseases. They are offering Cardiac Contractility Modulation which is a pioneer procedure that produces long-term benefits in the pumping function of the heart for patients with heart failure.

Along with that, the centre has introduced leadless pacemakers which ensures both safety and efficacy for the patients.

PM Terrance Drew on Child’s treatment

The Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Dr. Terrance Drew shared the video, depicting the journey of the child from his treatment to his way of recovery, recorded by the members of his family.

He urged everyone to continue to keep Dujon Bassue Jr. in their prayers who had recently undergone his second heart surgery at Health City in Cayman.

The Prime Minister called, Dujon Bassue Jr., a direct beneficiary of the Children’s Medical Fund who had successfully tackled his health challenges. He praised him for his bravery and willingness to push away all his problems like a champion.

As per the details, the child has been discharged from the hospital and the doctors also called him a true champion, who fought against his heart disease like a, “warrior.”

Gratitude to PALS

Prime Minister Terrance Drew acknowledged Pediatric Assistance League of St Kitts and Nevis (PALS) for their invaluable contribution in the recovery of 3-year-old.

PALS also expressed their gratitude towards working together with the Children’s Medical Fund to ensure Dujon Bassue Jr. gets the medical assistance he requires. The organization called Dujon Bassue Jr. charming little boy who has been brave throughout his medical treatment.

“Thank you to our PALS family for their ongoing support.”

The Pediatrics Assistance League of St Kitts and Nevis (PALS) is a non-profit organization whose main motive is to improve the availability of essentially needed medical treatment and health care to the children of St. Kitts & Nevis.

Netizens lauded PM Terrance Drew

The citizens of St Kitts and Nevis took to their social media accounts and appreciated the Prime Minister for this significant initiative and the developments being witnessed under it.

“At the end of the day Mr. PM history can only judge you for trying your best to uplift and enhance the lives of your citizens. you reminded me of this quote,” said one person.

Another person said, “No child will be left behind…..that’s our motto. Thank you PM Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew.”