INEQUITY still exists within the healthcare system in Trinidad and Tobago.
But the Ministry of Health will continue to provide health services for all.
This was the message given by Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh in commemoration of World Health Day on Wednesday.
The theme for this year is “Building a fairer, healthier world” with the hope of raising awareness that world leaders, administrators and medical providers must commit to ensuring the equitable delivery of healthcare services.
Deyalsingh stated, “Covid-19 has demonstrated that, despite years of action to ensure equal access to health services, inequality still exists. This is especially true for the sectors of society that are economically and socially vulnerable. As Trinidad and Tobago continues the rollout of the first phase of its Covid-19 vaccination drive, we have placed those at the highest risk and highest exposure to the virus at the top or our list of those eligible to receive the vaccine, as they are most vulnerable to serious complications from the disease. This philosophy forms the basis of our National Covid-19 Vaccine Deployment Programme.”
He added that health was a human right regardless of a person’s gender, race, religion, age, ability or economic status and in T&T, quality healthcare was provided at no cost.
The minister also said that great strides were already made in increasing the mental and physical healthcare support provided in communities.
Deyalsingh promised, “We will continue to provide comprehensive and quality health services for all, when and where needed. In that way we will be one step closer to achieving a healthy me, a healthy you and a healthy T&T.”
