In swift response to the suspension of Dr Joel Teelucksingh, the Health Minister has directed that the consultant be immediately reinstated despite ongoing investigations.

Dr Teelucksingh, a specialist in internal medicine, endocrinology and diabetes at the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA), was placed on administrative leave after his Ask the Doctor weekly column in the Trinidad Guardian was published on March 21.

Titled The Emperor's New Hospital, it critiqued the opening ceremony of the Central Block of the Port of Spain General Hospital and the state of the healthcare system.