Minister of Finance Davendranath Tancoo has allocated $8.214 billion to the Health sector — the second-highest allocation for this fiscal period.
During Monday’s Budget presentation, the Minister maintained the government’s position of providing proper healthcare for all citizens.
The future of the Couva Medical and Multi-Training Facility was addressed first.
“This Couva Medical and Multi-Training Facility, Mr. Speaker, was renamed by those opposite. We propose to return it to its original mandate. This was designed to be the Couva Children’s Hospital, a vision of the Honourable Prime Minister. We return that hospital to its original mandate.”
The Minister continued, highlighting updates on initiatives at the San Fernando, Port of Spain, and Sangre Grande Hospitals.
“The San Fernando Hospital will add a new catheterisation lab. The Port of Spain General Hospital’s Central Block will be operationalised by March 2026, and the Sangre Grande Hospital commissioned this year.”
To modernise wards and systems, $35 million is earmarked for refurbishment programmes, $45 million for facility upgrades, and $60 million is earmarked to procure critical equipment such as CT scanners, X-ray units, and surgical towels.
“To cut surgical wait times, $20 million is earmarked for cardiac care, $100 million for dialysis, and $10 million for orthopaedic and eye surgery. Dental services will be revived through new equipment in 37 clinics, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we will cut wait times for life-saving procedures because faster care saves lives.”
Further, Minister Tancoo noted the government stands by its promise to amend the Children’s Life Fund Act to cover life-limiting conditions such as sickle cell disease and rare cancers. The establishment of a Medical Malpractice Board will also be prioritised, and Health Centres in 12 communities will now have extended hours to further reduce hospital congestion.
“The CDAP Programme was modernised with new life-saving medicines such as those for hypertension, mental health and autism, benefiting 300,000 citizens. Digitisation is advancing through a health management information system with a secure health ID enabling seamless access to records. We will legislate a Medical Malpractice Court, No-Fault Compensation Fund, and a revised Patients’ Charter.”
In the last fiscal year, the Health Sector was allocated $7.571 billion.