Scarborough General Hospital Overwhelmed, Says IDA Political Leader Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus

Scarborough, Tobago – July 17, 2025 – Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus, Political Leader of the Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA), believes that Tobago’s healthcare system is overwhelmed.

The former Health Secretary attributes Tobago’s healthcare crisis not just to bed shortages but primarily to a neglected primary care system. She highlighted patient struggles to access essential formulary medications, arguing that without a robust focus on primary care, hospitals will remain perpetually overwhelmed. Dr. Tsoiafatt-Angus also claimed that the incinerator services at the hospital are inadequate, further impacting the system’s efficiency.

These concerns come after the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) announced on Tuesday, July 8th, 2025, that it had activated emergency mode for 48 hours due to a surge in admissions and capacity constraints at the Scarborough General Hospital. Health Secretary Dr. Faith Brebnor had subsequently urged the public not to panic during that period. The hospital has since returned to normal operations, but the underlying issues remain a point of contention.