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THE Ministry of Health has incurred a $15 million settlement in a legal matter.
But Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, who made the disclosure yesterday, was unable to provide any details, stating Attorney General Reginald Armour was engaged in the matter, as a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request had been made regarding the claim.
During the Parliament’s Standing Finance Committee (SFC) review of the Health Ministry’s $6.7 billion budget allocation, Caroni East MP Dr Rishad Seecheran enquired about the $15 million set aside for legal settlements and asked how many cases would be settled.
Deyalsingh replied: “One.”
When Barataria/San Juan MP Saddam Hosein requested a breakdown of legal fees and the attorney involved, Deyalsingh said it was an issue being handled by the AG and that he lacked the specifics.
Hosein pressed for more information regarding the regional health authority (RHA) involved in the settlement, but Deyalsingh reiterated he did not have that information available.
“Minister, are you confirming that the $15 million pertains to a legal settlement for an FOIA?” asked Hosein.
Deyalsingh replied, “I am saying to you that I don’t have that information, and it is a matter engaging the Attorney General.”
Hosein then asked whether the matter was completed.
Deyalsingh responded, “I don’t have that information here.”
SFC chair Bridgid Annisette-George asked whether the $15 million was a settlement figure or for legal fees.
Deyalsingh confirmed it was a “settlement”.
Hosein asked which RHA was engaged in this settlement, but Deyalsingh said the $15 million was an allocation, and that was the information he had.
“So, you are not prepared to tell us which RHA paid out this $15 million?” asked Hosein.
Deyalsingh replied, “I don’t have that information here.”
In response to Hosein’s request, the minister promised to follow up with the permanent secretary to provide details in writing.
More allocations
Seecheran also highlighted the increase in the allocation for renal dialysis, rising from $88 million in 2023 to an estimated $150 million in 2025, which Deyalsingh attributed to the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
On the topic of HIV/AIDS, Mayaro MP Rushton Paray asked for clarification on the $4 million allocation for AIDS relief.
Deyalsingh mentioned non-nationals can access HIV treatment and detection services, noting the procurement of 6,500 HIV self-test kits to enhance privacy in testing, among other initiatives.
Seecheran questioned the adequacy of the $2 million allocated for dengue control in 2025, especially following a $3 million allocation the previous year and rising complaints from citizens.
Deyalsingh explained the variation in allocations was due to the purchase of six new vehicles in 2024.
He noted there are a total of 26 operational vehicles in the Insect Vector Control Unit.
