Dr
Hamza Rafeeq was
sworn in as Minister of Health on December 22,
2000. Mr. Rafeeq is serving his second
term in office as Minister of Health. In
the capacity of Minister of Health he has responsibility for
health matters including Public Health, Hospitals, Food and Drug Quality monitoring,
Health Centres, Dental Services, Epidemiology, Insect Vector, Veterinary Public
Health, Boards regulating the Practice of Medicine and Related Professions,
Nursing Services, Paramedical, Nutrition and Family Planning Education and
Services. The Minister of Health is
also responsible for Medical Services, Mental Health Care Services, and Private
Health Facilities, and the Regional Health Authorities also fall under his
ambit.
Dr
Rafeeq was born on June 15, 1948 in Preysal Village, Couva. He is a Medical Doctor having obtained MBBS
(Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery) from the University of the West Indies,
Mona and has been in private practice since 1982.
He has served as a member of the Board of Caroni (1975) Ltd and as
Vice President of the Trinidad and Tobago Medical Association.
Dr
Rafeeq has also been active in the Muslim Community serving as President of
the Islamic Society, UWI Mona - (1969 - 1971), Secretary and Treasurer of
Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha'ati Islam during the period 1977 - 1990 and president
of the Freeport Uquire Muslim Association (1986 - 1989). He also served as President of the Ahmadryya Anjuman Isha'ati Islam
(1991-1995) and President of the Preysal Village Council (1994-1995). Dr Raffeq was Deputy Chairman of the United
National Congress and is the parliamentary representative for Caroni Central.
Dr Rafeeq is married and is the father of three. He enjoys fishing and cricket.