The 2023/2024 national budget has earmarked a historic $8.214 billion for the health sector, marking the largest allocation in recent years. While this figure falls slightly behind the $8.766 billion allocated to education and training, it represents a significant increase from the previous year’s $7.409 billion. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo detailed the allocation during his budget presentation on October 13, highlighting key investments such as $35 million for refurbishment, $45 million for facility upgrades, $60 million for critical medical equipment, $20 million for cardiac care, $100 million for dialysis, and $10 million for orthopedic and eye surgeries. Notably, the Couva Medical and Multi-Training Facility will be repurposed as the Couva Children’s Hospital, with rehabilitation efforts supported by a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, the San Fernando Hospital will receive a new catheterization lab, the Port of Spain central block is set to become operational by March 2026, and the Sangre Grande Hospital will be commissioned this year. Thirty-seven clinics will also be equipped with new dental service tools. Minister Tancoo emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing wait times for life-saving procedures, stating, ‘Faster care saves lives.’ The digitization of the National Health Management Information System is progressing, with plans to introduce a secure Health ID, a Medical Malpractice Court, a No Fault Compensation Fund, and a revised Patients’ Charter. However, critics like Dr. Neil Singh, former president of the Medical Board, labeled the budget as ‘window dressing,’ arguing that it prioritizes tertiary care over primary and secondary healthcare needs. Singh highlighted systemic issues such as outdated medications, insufficient facilities, and long wait times for surgeries. He also criticized the focus on dialysis, suggesting that better primary healthcare could reduce the need for such treatments. The TT National Nursing Association president, Idi Stuart, welcomed initiatives like the Medical Malpractice Court but expressed concerns over the lack of timelines and implementation details. Stuart urged the government to address critical issues such as patient-to-nurse ratios and the establishment of a National Health Insurance System.