Minority Leader Kelvon Morris Accuses the Health Secretary of Letting the Trha Board Expire Without a New Board Appointed & the Employ of “uncertified” Doctors

Minority Leader Kelvon Morris accuses Health Secretary Dr Faith Brebnor of permitting the hiring four specialist doctors who have not yet been certified by the Trinidad and Tobago Medical Board. Morris claims that a letter was sent to the then-acting CEO of TRHA, Allison Rambaran-Andrews, in October 2024, raising concerns about the recent hiring of specialists in orthopaedics, internal medicine, nephrology, and surgery. Morris claims this situation leaves the TRHA vulnerable to legal action from patients and their families, who may feel they did not receive proper care. In response, Health Secretary Dr. Brebnor said she was unaware of the existence of such a letter. Regarding the specialists, she explained that the certification process for recently graduated doctors can take time. In the interim, these doctors are supervised by the respective department heads, much like interns are supervised by certified doctors. Additionally, Morris alleged that the TRHA board is still operating despite their term expiring on January 6th, 2025. Dr. Brebnor confirmed that the TRHA’s board term expired, but she stated that the THA Executive Council approved the board renewal during the last quarter of 2024. However, it is still awaiting cabinet’s approval to re-administer the instruments of appointment. In the meantime, the THA has appointed an oversight committee to ensure operations continue. Morris, however, argues that this is illegal and goes against the legislation. Morris is calling for an investigation into the matter and for action to be taken against the Health Secretary for what he alleges is mismanagement.