Taxpayers had to deal with nearly $100 million in wasted medical assets over the last decade at the now rededicated Couva Children’s Hospital.
This according to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar who also said yesterday that at least $78.2 million was needed for repairs and replacement costs to fully restore the hospital.
Speaking at the hospital’s rededication yesterday, the Prime Minister detailed what she described as “a decade of malicious neglect” that left equipment expired, obsolete, or unusable, even though most of it had never served a single patient.
She also highlighted Government assessments conducted in May 2025 which revealed that:
—217 pieces of unused medical equipment, valued at $20.68 million, were still sealed in boxes
—ten major radiology systems, including a 3T MRI and a 64-slice CT scanner, worth over $33.5 million, had expired before being used
—45 items valued at $14.2 million had already become obsolete
—another 225 systems, worth $31.9 million, were classified as non-functional.
“That adds up to about $100 million in waste. This was not delay. It was malicious neglect, costing families years of care and children access to life-saving treatment,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar said the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT) confirmed that $78.2 million will be required to restore, repair, or replace equipment to bring the facility into full operation, initially.
She noted that work began shortly after the new administration took office in April 2025, with procurement and commissioning now progressing in phases.
She highlighted several initiatives that have already taken place since the Government’s victory in the 2025 general election.
These include:
—The first operating theatres were certified in September
—Patient services began in November
—On November 28, the hospital completed its first surgical procedure
—As of December 5, clinicians from all four RHAs have completed 86 surgeries, including hernia repairs, fistula procedures, varicose vein treatments, breast mass removals, and other day-case operations, helping to chip away at national waiting lists that exceed 11,300 cases
—And on December 1, the hospital launched its first Paediatric Specialist Clinic, offering care in paediatric neurology, rheumatology, endocrinology, neonatal care, and paediatric cardiology.
“Sixteen children have already been attended to—children who once waited months or had to fly abroad,” the Prime Minister said.
‘Strengthened’
Children’s Life Fund
Persad-Bissessar said the hospital’s return to service was part of a national overhaul that includes expanded NICU and PICU services, improved oncology and trauma pathways, digital medical records, telemedicine, and healthcare workforce development.
She also announced that the Children’s Life Fund, established during her 2010-2015 administration, has been “strengthened and restored”, with amendments expanding eligibility for lifesaving financial assistance.
Persad-Bissessar also acknowledged several private contributors, including: Trinclean Ltd, which donated 60 wheelchairs and Inovaar Marketing Consultancy Agency Ltd, which provided 58,000 medical-grade masks and pledged an additional 8,000.
“These contributions are practical, meaningful, and deeply appreciated,” she said.
The Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago also donated $202,900 to the Children’s Life Fund Authority.
Originally commissioned in 2015 as a modern 230-bed paediatric, maternal, and adult care facility with advanced surgical and imaging capabilities, the hospital was shuttered shortly after the PNM took office that same year.
Persad-Bissessar said the closure left families struggling for care and forced children abroad for services meant to be offered locally.
“With this rededication, delay has ended. This facility finally serves the purpose for which it was built, protecting our children and supporting our nation,” she said.
She noted that the hospital will continue expanding services in the coming months, including full MRI and CT imaging, cataract and ophthalmology surgery, and a broader range of specialist clinics.
Hundreds of children enjoyed the gifts and treats shared at the Gift of Life Christmas Concert hosted by bmobile at the hospital yesterday.
The event also featured a range of local talent, including musical performances by Destra Garcia and Neval Chatelal, a Christmas play, and appearances by The UWI Arts Chorale.
Original source: es