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Showing posts with the label Health

NCRHA Rejects False Claims of Body Bag Shortage

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The North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) said it “categorically denies claims circulating online regarding a shortage of body bags.” In a Media Release on Thursday (16th April, 2026), the NCRHA said, “At present, there is no shortage, and supplies remain well-stocked, with additional routine stock incoming as part of the Authority's standard supply management processes.” The NCRHA is urging members of the public to “rely on verified information, as disseminated through the RHA's official pages and the Ministry of Health's official channels, and not be misled by content mischievously designed to create unnecessary concern and unrest among members of the public.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “The Authority remains committed to ensuring that all necessary resources are in place to provide quality, efficient care to all patients.”

Ambulance With Patient Onboard Crashes Into Car At Curepe Junction, Multiple Injuries Reported

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According to reports, an Ambulance from the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA), with a patient onboard, crashed into a car at the Curepe Junction a short while ago this evening (Friday 3rd April, 2026), which then triggered multiple crashes and injuries. The Ambulance is alleged to have breached a red light and slammed into a car, which then crashed into two (2) taxi drivers and two (2) parked taxis on the roadway. The NCRHA Ambulance was said to be transporting a patient from the Arima Hospital to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) in Mount Hope, when the incident occurred. Police are currently at the scene, with injured persons on the ground. Investigations are continuing.  More on this as it becomes available.  This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. [Source: Ian Alleyne ]

Health Ministry Advises On Recall of Moringa Capsules

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The Ministry of Health, via its Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division (CFDD), is advising the public of a voluntary recall of Rosabella Moringa capsules, initiated by Ambrosia Brands LLC in February 2026. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States of America, Rosebella Moringa capsules have been linked to multiple cases of drug-resistant Salmonella infections. Illness caused by Salmonella infection usually develops within twelve (12) to seventy-two (72) hours and can last for four (4) to seven (7) days. In a Media Release today (Friday 27th March, 2026), the Ministry said, “The most common symptoms include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. While many individuals recover without treatment, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of experiencing severe infections.” Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, the Ministry is advising persons who may have purchased or are current...

Health Ministry Launches Learning Management System (LMS) For Public Healthcare Workers

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The Ministry of Health has launched a new Learning Management System (LMS) aimed at strengthening professional development and knowledge-sharing across Trinidad and Tobago's public health sector. The platform, unveiled on Friday (13th March, 2026) at the Ministry's Corporate Headquarters, was developed with support from the United States Government through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). In a Media Release on Saturday (14th March, 2026), the Ministry said, “The LMS will serve as a centralized digital hub for training, providing healthcare workers across the Ministry of Health and the Regional Health Authorities with structured and accessible opportunities for professional development.” According to the Ministry, “One of the first programmes introduced on the platform focuses on the District Health Information Software 2 [DHIS2], a widely used global health information system that enables realt...

Ministry of Health Clarifies Official Name of Couva Children’s Hospital

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The Ministry of Health said it wishes to correct the misleading headline published in the Trinidad Express article titled “The Couva Hospital Has No Name.” In a Media Release on Sunday (8th March, 2026), the Ministry said, “Contrary to the claim made in the headline, the facility was reverted to its original name, Couva Children’s Hospital, following approval by Cabinet in 2025. This information was provided to the reporter prior to publication.” The Ministry also notes that “signage bearing the name Couva Children’s Hospital has already been installed at the front of the building. In addition, an external sign of larger scale is currently in the procurement process and is expected to be installed soon.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “The Ministry of Health remains committed to ensuring that accurate information is shared with the public and encourages media houses to reflect verified information in their reporting.”

Ministry of Health Launches Online Drug Database

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Pictured Above: The Honourable Dr. Lackram Bodoe greets Mr. Ricardo Mohammed, President of the Pharmacy Board of Trinidad and Tobago. Also pictured (left of Minister Bodoe) are Mr. Glenwayne Suchit and Mr. Steve Lalchan of the Private Pharmacy Retail Business Association, along with Ms. Nisha Ali, Deputy Comptroller of the Customs and Excise Division. Ministry of Health representatives present included Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jeanine St. Bernard, Ms. Melanie Noel, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr. Imtiaz Ali, Food and Drugs Inspector II, Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division and Ms. Anesa Siboo, Chief Pharmacist. The Ministry of Health announced the official launch of its Regulated Medicines and Substances Portal today (Wednesday 4th March, 2026), an online drug database designed to strengthen transparency, accessibility, and regulatory oversight within Trinidad and Tobago's health sector. In a Media Release, the Ministry said, “The platform provides public access to informatio...

Temporary Closure of Rio Claro Health Centre

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The Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA) is informing members of the public that the Rio Claro Health Centre will be closed from 7:00 AM on Saturday (28th February, 2026) to facilitate maintenance works. During this temporary closure, services can be accessed at the Mayaro District Health Facility. Services at the Rio Claro Health Centre will resume at 8:00 AM on Monday (2nd March, 2026). The ERHA said it “apologizes for any inconvenience caused as we seek to continuously provide the highest quality healthcare services to our clients.” Please be guided accordingly.

Schoolboy Dies After Plunging From Fifth Floor of St. James Apartment Complex

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A teenage boy has died after allegedly falling from a Housing Development Corporation (HDC) apartment complex in St. James early Sunday morning (22nd February, 2026). The deceased has been identified as 13-year-old Armani Alleyne, a student of St. Mary’s Mucurapo Boys’ R.C. Primary School, where he was known as a talented and dedicated footballer. According to reports, the incident occurred at the HDC Vieux Fort development, where the teen was said to be battling a fever since returning home from school on Friday (20th February, 2026), after complaining of feeling unwell. He remained at home on Saturday as his illness persisted. Sometime that night, while asleep and still feverish, Alleyne reportedly rushed into his mother’s bedroom, shouting that he was hearing his brother’s voice calling him. Within moments, he turned and sprinted out of the room toward the balcony of the fifth-floor apartment. Tragically, before anyone could intervene, the boy leaped over the railing, plunging an es...

Prison Service Suffers Another Loss As Officer Dies At Hospital

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The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) is mourning the death of Prison Officer Sheldon Lewis, who passed away at Hospital on Wednesday (4th February, 2026) after suffering a medical condition. In a statement issued today (Thursday 5th February, 2026), President of the Prison Officers’ Association, Gerard Gordon, said “it is with a heavy and grieving heart that I acknowledge the passing of our brother, Prison Officer Sheldon Lewis, who sadly passed away yesterday at Hospital due to a medical condition. This loss cuts especially deep. Sheldon stood on the threshold of retirement next year, at the doorway of a season he had worked his entire career to reach. To have that moment taken from him is heartbreaking beyond words.” He added, “Once again, our Prison Service family is gutted — still trying to come to terms with the recent loss of another Officer , and now forced to confront yet another painful goodbye. These are not just colleagues we lose; they are brothers, friends, and family, b...

KI Persad Withdraws From CSM Finals Due To Health Concerns

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Three-time Chutney Soca Monarch Kris “KI” Persad (real name: Kris Veeshal Persad) has withdrawn from the Chutney Soca Monarch (CSM) Finals, citing health reasons. In a Media Release this morning (Thursday 5th February, 2026), Southex said KI “had a fainting incident on leaving the stage at the semi finals, he was taken to the Hospital by Ambulance, underwent tests and was given the all-clear. They had originally said that he may have fainted from a bit of dehydration.” According to Southex, KI traveled back to Canada, but his doctors have advised that he should rest for another two (2) weeks, “making it impossible for him to come back to Trinidad in time for the Grand Finals.” Southex said it “wishes KI a speedy recovery and we look forward to seeing him on our stages in the very near future.” The Grand Finals of the Chutney Soca Monarch will take place on Sunday (8th February, 2026) from 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM (Midnight). The event will be held at Skinner Park in San Fernando.   Four...

Medical Product Alert: Falsified Cancer Medicine IBRANCE (Palbociclib)

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The Ministry of Health, via its Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division (CFDD), is advising of the WHO Medical Product Alert concerning falsified IBRANCE (palbociclib) capsules. The product is a cancer medicine used for the treatment of certain types of breast cancer in adults. In a Media Release today (Tuesday 3rd February, 2026), the Ministry said the falsified products deliberately misrepresent identity, composition and source, and the genuine manufacturer, Pfizer, has confirmed that the products mentioned in this alert are falsified. The WHO Alert stated that falsified IBRANCE (palbociclib) products have been detected in Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya and Türkiye. According to the Ministry, “Laboratory testing conducted by the genuine manufacturer confirmed that the falsified products contained no active pharmaceutical ingredient. Since these falsified medicines lack the required active ingredient, they must be considered unsafe and their use can lead to treatment failure, unc...

48-Year-Old Prisons Officer Collapses At Golden Grove Prison, Pronounced Dead At Hospital

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The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service said it is “deeply saddened” by the passing of 48-year-old Steve Dookie, Prisons Officer II (Ag.) #2632, of Cumuto Road, Cumuto, on Wednesday (28th January, 2026). According to reports, Dookie was speaking with personnel in the dormitory area of the Golden Grove Prison, Arouca, when he suddenly collapsed.  Paramedics were immediately called, and he was conveyed to the Arima Hospital. However, despite emergency medical intervention, he subsequently passed away. In a Media Release on Thursday (29th January, 2026), the Prison Service said Officer Dookie, last attached to the Extended Remand Facility (ERF), who would have celebrated thirty (30) years of yeoman service this year, “was an active and dedicated member of the Service. He served with distinction as an integral part of the Prison Service Divali Committee and was also a valued member of the Prison Service Cricket Team, where his camaraderie and team spirit were well recognized. Mr. Carlos...

37-Year-Old Bank Employee Collapses, Dies At ‘Soaka Till Sunrise’ Fete In Chaguaramas

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A man is dead shortly after collapsing at a Carnival fete at O2 Park in Chaguaramas on Sunday morning (25th January, 2026). The deceased has been identified as 37-year-old Vishal Sookhoo of Red Hill, Arouca, who was a Senior Loans Officer at ANSA Bank. According to reports, Vishal was attending the Soaka Till Sunrise fete with a group of friends, when he complained of feeling unwell and suddenly collapsed, around 7:45 AM. Friends and on-site medical personnel immediately rendered assistance. He was subsequently conveyed to the St. James Medical Complex, where he was pronounced dead on arrival at 8:45 AM. An autopsy has been ordered to ascertain the exact cause of death. A packet of non-prescription pills was allegedly found in Vishal’s possession, although authorities could not confirm what type of pills they are or whether he had consumed any. Officials have urged the public not to speculate on the cause of death, noting that autopsy results are pending. A Senior Police Official confi...

Baby Boy Found Unresponsive At San Fernando Home, Pronounced Dead At Hospital

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A baby boy was pronounced dead at the San Fernando General Hospital on Thursday afternoon (22nd January, 2026) after he was found unresponsive at his home in Embacadere, San Fernando. The deceased has been identified as two-and-a-half-month-old Azikeil Williams. According to reports, Azikeil was fed around 10:00 AM on Thursday morning and fell sleep on a couch afterwards. However, he was found unresponsive about an hour later. He was subsequently conveyed to the San Fernando General Hospital, around 12:51 PM.  Azikeil was pronounced dead around 1:22 PM after several resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.  Police said the body bore no marks of violence and visited the home to conduct further investigations into the circumstances surrounding his untimely death. An autopsy has been ordered. More on this as it becomes available.  [Source: Newsday ]

EMA Implements New Noise Mitigation Strategies For 2026 Carnival Season

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In line with the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago's (GORTT's) commitment to reducing noise pollution while preserving cultural expression, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) said it has begun implementing a series of new and heightened noise management initiatives for the 2026 Carnival Season. These measures are designed to improve the regulation of noise from Carnival activities and other large-scale events, particularly in high-density residential areas where noise-related complaints have long been a concern. In a Media Release today (Wednesday 14th January, 2026), the EMA said, “Over the years, residents, particularly those in residential neighbourhoods, have expressed concerns regarding the noise generated by Carnival festivities. In response to this, and in alignment with the GORTT's commitment to improve noise mitigation strategies, the EMA has taken proactive measures under the Noise Pollution Control Rules, 2001 (as amended) (NPCR), to enh...

Chicken Pox Outbreak At Maximum Security Prison (MSP) — 79 Persons Infected

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The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service is informing the public and all relevant stakeholders of the presence of the varicella virus (Chicken Pox) among the inmate population at the Maximum Security Prison. A total of seventy-nine (79) persons have reportedly contracted Chicken Pox during the outbreak since November 2025. The Prison Officers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago have also confirmed the outbreak in a Facebook post on Friday (9th January, 2026), saying, “There is an outbreak at the Maximum Security Prison of Chicken Pox. We advise our members to adhere to the strictest protocols to reduce the risk of transmission to your self or your family. The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service has a duty of care to our Officers, inmates and by extension, the society at large. In times like this, the glaring deficiencies become even more evident.” In a Media Release this afternoon (Saturday 10th January, 2026), the Prison Service said following the detection of the first recorded case on ...

Education Ministry Clarifies Status of Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

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The Ministry of Education is advising that it is actively addressing the provision of Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) services to ensure employees have access to effective, efficient and sustainable psychosocial support. In a Media Release today (Friday 9th January, 2026), the Ministry said it “confirms that funding for the EAP was allocated from the Fiscal 2026 Budget. At this time, no user fees have been introduced for Ministry-supported EAP counselling services and employees are not required to pay any fee, including $450.00 per counselling session, to access Ministry-provided support.” According to the Ministry, “Any counselling services independently arranged by individuals outside of Ministry-approved mechanisms fall outside the scope of the EAP and should not be interpreted as a replacement for employer-supported services.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “The Ministry of Education recognizes that mental health and psychosocial support are critical to employee wellbei...

Public Advisory On Discharge of Fireworks

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The Summary Offences (Amendment) Act , 2025 (Act No. 13 of 2025), which pertains to the discharge of fireworks, received the assent of Her Excellency the President on Tuesday (16th December, 2025) and is to come into operation by Proclamation on Friday (19th December, 2025). In a Public Advisory, the Office of the Attorney General said, “ With effect from December 19, 2025, it would be a fixed penalty (or ticketable) offence to discharge fireworks without a permit issued by the Commissioner of Police, except on a public holiday between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM and on December 31 between 11:30 PM and 12:30 AM of the next day. It would also be an offence to discharge fireworks within a half mile radius of a public hospital, a private hospital, an airport, a zoo, a registered animal shelter, a farm where animals are reared, a Forest Reserve or a National Park. ” Details with respect to applications for fireworks permits, the granting of fireworks permits and the issuing of fixed penalty notic...

President Assents TWO (2) New Public Safety Laws As Government Delivers On Election Campaign Promises

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Two (2) significant pieces of legislation — one addressing home invasions and the other, noise pollution — aimed at strengthening public safety and improving the quality of life in Trinidad and Tobago, have been assented by President Christine Carla Kangaloo, O.R.T.T.   In a statement issued on her X account this morning (Wednesday 17th December, 2025), Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, said, “My Government has delivered on two (2) major commitments made to the people during the 2025 General Election campaign, with the President, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, assenting to two (2) significant pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening public safety and improving quality of life. These laws reflect the clear and decisive mandate given to me by the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Throughout the campaign, I placed strong emphasis on protecting families, restoring public order, and responding to long-standing concerns raised by communities across ...

Finance Minister RESPONDS To Planned ‘Day of Rest And Reflection’ By Employees of Regional Health Authorities (RHAs)

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UPDATE (18/12/25):  President of the Trinidad and Tobago Registered Nurses Association (TTRNA), Idi Stuart, says wage negotiations for nurses must conclude by January or February 2026, calling the timeline “non-negotiable.” Stuart is warning that unresolved backpay and staffing shortages could disrupt healthcare services over the Christmas period. He is also urging the Government to issue clear guidance to Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) to resolve negotiations quickly. Stuart emphasized that the TTRNA is not responsible for occasional work slowdowns, attributing them instead to frustrated individual workers. He also highlighted concerns over unrepresented healthcare staff, infrastructure challenges, and the need for careful planning before diverting staff to new projects. The Government said it has taken note of the planned “day of rest and reflection” by nursing personnel over outstanding wage settlements. “While we respect the right to protest, we urge that patient care and ...