Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley is awaiting confirmation on the full nature of Public Administration Marlene McDonald’s illness.
In a release issued yesterday by the Communications Ministry, it revealed that McDonald is “seriously ill” and still warded at the St Clair Medical Centre.
It stated that Rowley “is currently awaiting confirmation on the full nature of her illness.”
The release also disclosed that Minister in the Ministry of Public Administration Maxie Cuffie is expected back in Trinidad “by the end of this month.”
Mc Donald was admitted on Saturday to the private hospital for an existing medical condition.
This was the second time the Port- of- Spain South MP had to be hospitalised in the space of a month.
In June, McDonald was hospitalized after complaining of feeling unwell at a Cabinet meeting.
She was discharged after being treated for low blood pressure.
On Tuesday, Rowley had told listeners on a radio programme that McDonald was “seriously ill” and wished her a speedy recovery.
“Her ailment surprised us to the extent to which she has been away from work in the last few days. I haven’t seen her yet, but I have been getting reports on her condition,” Rowley said.
However, in a press release issued earlier yesterday by Sharon Felix, who works as an assistant in the Port-of-Spain South constituency office, it gave a conflicting report, which stated that the minister had been discharged from the hospital on Tuesday.
It stated that McDonald had visited the hospital on June 8 with a severe cough and other cold symptoms.
The release stated that having previously suffered a bout of bronchitis in 2013, McDonald was admitted to the hospital and while there, mucus was suctioned of out her lungs.
It further stated that McDonald was discharged from the hospital and resting comfortably at home.
“She will return to work after a few days sick leave, as recommended by her doctors.”
It stated that McDonald had expressed her heartfelt thanks to her colleagues, constituents and all others for their love and support during her hospitalisation.
The news of McDonald being discharged from hospital was aired on the midday news of several radio stations yesterday, including 1.95.5 FM Several calls to McDonald’s cellphone went unanswered yesterday.