Defense lawyers insist, no second blood test for ‘dengue positive’ Azruddin Mohamed

Dr. Kawal Dalip appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Tuesday afternoon, confirming that he diagnosed Azruddin Mohamed with dengue and issued 12 days’ sick leave, but his testimony sparked sharp exchanges in court.

Dalip told the court he clinically diagnosed Mohamed based on symptoms and later relied on lab results from his own facility, stating the 12-day rest period was a maximum, with a reassessment expected after about 10 days.

He maintained that Mohamed’s condition, along with prescribed medication, would prevent him from appearing even via Zoom due to drowsiness.

However, Prosecutor Glen Hanoman pointed to what he described as “red flags,” questioning the timing of the diagnosis and lab work. He noted inconsistencies, including that the blood sample was reportedly taken around 11:50 a.m. while a dengue diagnosis was indicated earlier, and argued it was “impossible” to confirm dengue before testing.

Hanoman also challenged the reliability of the results, suggesting the lab work may not have belonged to Mohamed because of an accompanied positive sickle cell test and highlighting that the test was not PCR-based. Dalip later described the result as a “false positive,” while still maintaining his diagnosis.

Further contention arose over the recommended sick leave, with Hanoman stating dengue cases typically require three to five days’ rest, while Dalip insisted it should be up to 14 days. The proceedings grew tense at times, with the doctor forceful in his responses and frequently speaking over questions, while defence attorneys objected to the line of questioning.

Magistrate Latchman clarified that the doctor was not under formal examination but that the court was seeking clarity.

It was also revealed that the blood sample was collected by Dalip’s employee, Joel Semple. The prosecution requested that Mohamed undergo an independent test at another lab, but defence attorney Roysdale Forde firmly rejected the suggestion, insisting the original lab was certified and that no new blood test would be taken.

Despite the concerns raised, the magistrate accepted the medical report. The matter was adjourned to April 7 to 10.