After losing son to asthma, businessman pledges over 500 nebulisers to treat patients

Asthma is a long-term inflammatory lung disease, characterised by a narrowing of the respiratory tracts or airways, the passages carrying oxygen to the organs.

It causes these channels to become inflamed and constricted, resulting in shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing.

These reactions are commonly triggered by cigarette smoke, and allergens, such as pollen, animal fur or hair, feathers, or house-dust mites.

Persons with asthma contracting a cold or influenza, or engaging in intense physical activities, are also susceptible to adverse reactions.

The nebuliser machine creates a mist out of liquid medication that facilitates quicker and easier absorption during treatment. This significantly reduces coughing and chest tightness, thereby enabling better breathing.

Mr. Mansuhkani, who is the Managing Director of Pavilion Jewellers, tells JIS News that his son suffered a major asthma attack which triggered cardiac arrest.

He points out that by the time the paramedics arrived, “in thirteen minutes, he was pronounced dead.”

The philanthropist says after struggling to come to terms with the tragedy and in recognition of the need for more life-saving nebulisers in medical institutions, based on first-hand experience during his son’s multiple stays at these facilities, he decided to bridge the gap in memory of the youngster, by donating nebulisers in order to prevent other families from undergoing similar trauma.

Since then, Mr. Mansuhkani has organised the provision of 50 nebulisers to the Bustamante Hospital for Children; 40 each to the Ministry of Education and Youth and for the parish of Portland; 10 to the Lionel Town Hospital and 20 earmarked for the Chapelton Community Hospital, both in Clarendon, and 20 for the Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James.

“We are also keen on giving to [elderly] people who are at home and can’t reach the hospital, as well as to children,” Mr. Mansuhkani indicates.

The businessman, who points out that he suffers from asthma, says he is aware of the extent to which the disease can impact the body.

Mr. Mansuhkani’s intervention is deemed welcome, against the background that one machine costs up to $15,000.

Senior Medical Officer at the Bustamante Hospital, Dr. Michelle-Ann Richards Dawson, welcomes the donation of nebulisers, noting that as asthma is a weighty condition that affects many children from an early age.

She says youngsters with severe cases must be hospitalised, adding that the machines ensure efficient treatment of the illness.

“This donation [will help to] provide the requisite care to our children. We say thanks to them [V. Mansuhkani Foundation] for highlighting the need to support the institution, and to remind the public that asthma is a serious disease,” Dr. Richards Dawson says.

For Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, who was presented with the equipment for the sector, the provision is a “wonderful gift” that will enable educational institutions to effectively render assistance to children suffering asthma attacks while at school.

“I am most grateful for the gifts, because we have many children in our school system who suffer from asthma, and when they have these attacks, some parents can’t afford the machines. I am delighted that a company would make this donation to help our children,” the Minister says.

Mrs. Williams emphasises that Mr. Mansuhkani must be specially thanked for the donation that will touch many young lives and ease the burden on some parents.

The Minister, who expresses condolences at the passing of Mr. Mansuhkani’s son, says “we are happy that they saw it fit to help other students who may be suffering from the same illness.”

Meanwhile, Custos Rotulorum for St. James, Bishop Hon. Conrad Pitkin. who facilitated the donation to the Cornwall Regional Hospital, says the institution has received a “wonderful Christmas gift.”

“This is the time of the year when children are affected by asthma and bronchitis. So having extra nebulisers at the hospital will go a far way in alleviating the strain on the hospital and on families. It is highly appreciated,” he tells JIS News.

The National Health Fund (NHF) offers subsidies for respiratory devices – spacers and masks – for beneficiaries with asthma.

Spacers and masks are used by children and adults, along with inhalers, to enable the effective administration of medication during treatment.

These devices are particularly beneficial to children and the elderly, who usually experience significant difficulty utilising the inhaler technique.

This can result in wastage of the medication and life-threatening complications, due to poor asthma control.