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Jagdeo used luxury jet, not air ambulance for medivac
When former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, was airlifted to the United States destined for a Florida hospital recently, he used a private luxury Learjet instead of an air ambulance.
An air ambulance are planes or helicopters that have been specially fitted with medical equipment and beds and would also include medical personnel accompanying the aircraft to treat the passenger as they are taken to the hospital.
What Jagdeo used is a fixed wing twin engine, 10 seat jet.
The jet was charted from Jedami Aircraft Charter, LLC, registered in Florida.
The Jet Jagdeo chartered for his medivac.
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) over the weekend lashed out at the political Opposition over what it calls disparaging and insensitive remarks made when former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, took ill recently and had to be flown overseas for treatment.
The party in a missive, sought to remind the Opposition that several of its members, including former Opposition Leader Robert Corbin and the late Sheila Holder benefitted from assistance from the State to seek medical attention abroad when it became necessary.
Corbin had complained of chest pains and was medivaced to the US under the suspicion that he was suffering from a heart condition.
Corbin, upon his return, broke the silence on the treatment he received.
It was diagnosed that his chest pains arose from the malfunctioning of his digestive system, including a dysfunctional gallbladder.
Holder was suffering from a prolonged illness and subsequently died.
A privately-owned Learjet out of Florida landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) shortly after 21:00 hours February 21, last.
Jagdeo’s entourage comprising Dr. Ramroop and his security detail arrived at the airport at 22:00 hours. The aircraft took off for Florida at 22:30 hours.
Jagdeo was suffering at the time from persistent fever, vomiting and diarrhea. He was later diagnosed with dengue fever.
This publication understands that the chartering of a LearJet, from Florida to Guyana and back for a medivac, would cost between US$35,000 (G$6M) and US$40,000 (G$8M).
On May 28, 2009, then President Jagdeo assented to the controversial Former Presidents (Benefits and Facilities) Bill bringing it into law.
Under that Act, he would receive free medical attention and medical treatment, paid for by the state, or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by him for the medical attention or treatment of himself and the dependant members of his family.
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