PM Slams “Decade of Neglect” at Couva Children’s Hospital

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has accused the former administration of allowing nearly $100 million in medical assets to go to waste at the Couva Children’s Hospital, describing the situation as the result of “a decade of malicious neglect.”

Speaking yesterday at the hospital’s official rededication, Persad-Bissessar revealed that millions of dollars’ worth of equipment had expired, become obsolete, or fallen into disrepair—much of it without ever being used to treat a single patient.

She said that assessments conducted ahead of the facility’s reopening showed that at least $78.2 million would be required to repair, replace, or restore essential equipment and infrastructure.

The Prime Minister said the findings highlighted the extent of mismanagement that occurred over the years, and underscored her Government’s commitment to ensuring the hospital finally serves its intended purpose: providing world-class paediatric and medical care to the population.

The Couva Children’s Hospital, long considered a major yet underutilised national health asset, is expected to begin phased operations following the rededication ceremony.