Caption: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the Couva Children’s Hospital rededication ceremony. Photo: FB

By Prior Beharry

TAXPAYERS were left to absorb nearly $100 million in wasted medical assets at the now rededicated Couva Children’s Hospital over the past decade, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar disclosed on Sunday.

Speaking at the hospital’s rededication ceremony, Persad-Bissessar described what she called “a decade of malicious neglect” that saw millions of dollars in high-end medical equipment expire, become obsolete, or fall into disrepair—much of it without ever treating a single patient.

She said assessments conducted in May 2025 revealed:

• 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; and
• another 225 systems, worth $31.9 million, were classified as non-functional.

“That adds up to about $100 million in waste,” Persad-Bissessar said.

She said, “This was not delay. It was malicious neglect, costing families years of care and children access to life-saving treatment.”

$78.2m restoration bill

The prime minister said the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT) has confirmed that $78.2 million will be required initially to restore, repair or replace equipment to bring the facility into full operation.

She said work began shortly after her administration took office in April 2025, with procurement, installation and commissioning of equipment now progressing in phases.

Originally commissioned in 2015 as a modern 230-bed paediatric, maternal and adult care facility with advanced surgical and imaging capabilities, the Couva Children’s Hospital was closed shortly after the PNM assumed office that same year.

Persad-Bissessar said that decision had severe consequences for families.

“The closure left families struggling for care and forced children abroad for services meant to be offered locally,” she said. “With this rededication, delay has ended. This facility finally serves the purpose for which it was built, protecting our children and supporting our nation.”

Surgeries under way, clinics launched

The prime minister outlined a series of milestones achieved at the hospital since the September 2025 general election.

She said the first operating theatres were certified in September, with patient services beginning in November. On November 28, the hospital completed its first surgical procedure.

As of December 5, clinicians from all four Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) had completed 86 surgeries at the facility. These include hernia repairs, fistula procedures, varicose vein treatments, breast mass removals and other day-case operations.

Persad-Bissessar said these efforts are helping to reduce national surgical waiting lists, which currently exceed 11,300 cases.

On December 1, the hospital also 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,” Persad-Bissessar said.

She added that the hospital’s return to service forms part of a wider national healthcare overhaul, including expanded Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (NICU and PICU) services, improved oncology and trauma pathways, digital medical records, telemedicine, and healthcare workforce development.

In the coming months, the facility is expected to expand further to offer full MRI and CT imaging, cataract and ophthalmology surgeries, and a broader range of specialist clinics.

Children’s Life Fund ‘strengthened and restored’

Persad-Bissessar also announced that the Children’s Life Fund—originally established during her 2010–2015 administration to provide financial assistance for life-saving medical treatment for children—has been “strengthened and restored”.

She said amendments have been made to expand eligibility and improve access for families in need of overseas or highly specialised care.

“The Children’s Life Fund will once again be a safety net for our most vulnerable,” she said.

The Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago has donated $202,900 to the Children’s Life Fund Authority to support its renewed mandate.

Private sector support

The Prime Minister acknowledged several private contributors who she said have provided “practical and meaningful” assistance to the hospital.

Trinclean Ltd donated 60 wheelchairs to support patient mobility, while Inovaar Marketing Consultancy Agency Ltd supplied 58,000 medical-grade masks and has pledged an additional 8,000.

“These contributions are practical, meaningful, and deeply appreciated,” Persad-Bissessar said, adding that such partnerships help strengthen the public health system.

Christmas concert for young patients

Sunday’s rededication coincided with a festive celebration for children and families at the facility, as hundreds of youngsters enjoyed gifts and treats at the Gift of Life Christmas Concert hosted by bMobile.

The event featured performances by soca star Destra Garcia and singer Neval Chatelal. There was also a Christmas play and appearances by The UWI Arts Chorale, bringing music and theatre to the hospital’s grounds.