Quebec officials are expressing strong disapproval following the passing of a four-year-old child in the Nunavik community of Ivujivik amidst allegations that the youngster was denied medical care.
Québec Solidaire representative Sol Zanetti issued a statement on Thursday demanding clarity regarding the demise of Jusi Padlayat, who reportedly passed away on August 3 after being taken to the local clinic by his parents multiple times for abdominal discomfort without receiving treatment.
Padlayat’s grandmother, Annie Mangiuk, revealed in an interview with La Presse that medical personnel disregarded the family’s worries and advised them to administer Advil or Tylenol to the child. Mangiuk recounted that Padlayat was discovered unconscious on August 1, subsequently admitted to the local nursing station, and later transferred to the Montreal Children’s Hospital where he succumbed two days later.
Zanetti emphasized that allowing a child to suffer for an extended period is unacceptable and indicates potential negligence, raising concerns about systemic racism within healthcare services that must be addressed promptly.
Additionally, Zanetti urged the Commissioner of Children’s Rights and Welfare to investigate Padlayat’s passing. The Quebec Liberal Party (QLP) has also called for enhancements in healthcare provisions for northern regions, proposing increased telemedicine options as a viable solution.
According to Sandrine Rioux, QLP candidate in Ungava, encompassing Ivujivik, individuals in Ungava should not have to worry about access to necessary healthcare due to their geographical location.
The Joyce’s Principle Office highlighted that Padlayat’s demise echoes the tragic circumstances surrounding Joyce Echaquan, an Atikamekw woman who recorded hospital staff in Joliette, Que., directing racist remarks at her during her final moments.
Sylvestre Desterres, interim executive director of the Joyce’s Principle Office, stressed the importance of respecting dignity and ensuring that concerns are addressed effectively in all services provided to Indigenous communities.
Both the Inuulitsivik Health Centre and the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services have confirmed that internal and external reviews will be conducted regarding the incident. The Quebec coroner’s office is also conducting an investigation into the matter, withholding comments on the specifics surrounding Padlayat’s passing. The Montreal Children’s Hospital declined to comment on individual cases.