Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh says he has directed that Dr Joel Teelucksingh be immediately reinstated.

Dr Teelucksingh was reportedly sent on administrative leave by the SWRHA, following a recent newspaper column in which he wrote, “The Emperor has built a hospital with no hospital inside!”

A Guardian Media report said he was to remain on leave with pay pending the outcome of an investigation.

In a statement issued on Sunday morning however, Mr Deyalsingh said Dr Teelucksingh was to be “immediately reinstated” with the investigation be conducted whilst he is on the job.

The Minister also said, “Whilst I find his opinions and writings sometimes controversial, I am a firm believer in free speech even at my own personal expense.”