The North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) recorded a major milestone on Wednesday 28th October, 2026, with fifteen (15) operating theatres simultaneously in use across three hospitals: nine (9) at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC), two (2) at the Mt. Hope Women’s Hospital and four (4) at the Arima General Hospital. Two (2) endoscopy rooms and two (2) Cath Labs were also operational at the EWMSC.
Surgical teams performed complex and emergency procedures, including open-heart, vascular, urological, thoracic, ENT, ophthalmic and general surgeries, some of which could only be performed at the EWMSC within the public healthcare system. Over 23,000 surgeries were performed in the past year.
NCRHA Chairman, Dr. Tim Gopeesingh, stated: “When we assumed office, we inherited infrastructure and operational systems affected by years of neglect, poor maintenance and mismanagement. We made a commitment to restore our facilities and rebuild surgical capacity. I wish to commend Dr. Ian Ramnarine, Head of Surgery at the EWMSC, our surgeons, doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, operating theatre technicians, and the Laundry, Central Stores, Sterilization, Biomedical Engineering and Transport Departments whose dedication and diligence made this achievement possible.”
When the current administration assumed office, only three (3) operating theatres were functional. The milestone follows major investments in operating tables, surgical lights, instruments and air-conditioning systems, alongside improved laundry and sterilisation services. These improvements were led by the Chairman and Board of Directors, supported by Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bhadase Seetahal Maraj; Director of Health, Dr Rodney Benjamin; and the Executive Management Team.
For patients and their families, these improvements are expected to deliver considerable benefits:
- Greater access to critical surgical interventions.
- Improved availability of healthcare resources.
- Shorter waiting periods and more timely healthcare services