Narace heard about scam, awaiting full report

Trinidad and Tobago's health minister has promised a full investigation into the alleged money-for-early-surgeries scandal at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope.

And Jerry Narace has denied that he was "caught unawares by the scandal". He told the Trinidad Express he is waiting for a report on the matter from his permanent secretary.

Several patients have reported that doctors at the hospital have been charging patients for services which are available without charge.

Read the story: Gopeesingh calls for probe

Narace said he knew about the matter for "some time now" and explained that he wanted to see the report before making any comments.

The North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA), which is the governing body for the hospital, has issued a statement on the allegations.

"The matter came to our attention two weeks ago, and since then immediate instructions were given stating that this practice was not only unethical but illegal, and should be discontinued immediately," it said.

The authority said it is conducting an internal investigation and expects that within the next two it would be submitted to the NCRHA board and the Ministry of Health.

The NCRHA is also asking anyone who has been affected by this matter to call the office of the CEO at 662-5579 or the general manager of Quality at 645-8249 during business hours Monday to Friday or 645-4673 after hours, with relevant information to enable them to take the appropriate action.