Trinidad and Tobago gets ventilators, 20,500 masks for covid19 health system

Trinidad and Tobago is receiving further support from the private sector and international agencies, with donations of ventilators and 20,500 masks, to ensure the country has enough equipment and supplies to manage the public’s health during the covid19 pandemic.

On March 24, Guardian Group donated two Savina 300 Classic ventilators to the Ministry of Health to support “the fight to contain the spread and impact of the virus while fulfilling a commitment made during the height of the pandemic.”

Guardian Group’s chief executive officer Ravi Tewari, made the official handover at the North West Regional Health Authority’s new ICU (intensive care unit) wing at the St James Medical Complex, St James.

He said, “We are very happy to have the opportunity to contribute to the health sector and do our part, as it’s all in our interest to do things to create a better country. We hope to continue this collaboration.”

In a release, Guardian Group recognised and applauded the efforts of the ministry in managing the pandemic, and said it was dedicated and ready to assist in alleviating the pandemic in TT and across the region in any way it can.

This as, just the day before, the European Union and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (Carpha) donated 7,500 N95 respirator masks and 13,000 surgical masks – 20,500 in all – to the public health sector.

The supplies were procured through the 11th European Development Fund Programme of Support for Health Security Strengthening for Prevention and Control of Outbreaks of Communicable Diseases in the Caribbean which is being implemented by Carpha.

On behalf of Health Minister Terrance Deyalsingh, Chief Medical Officer Dr Roshan Parasram thanked Carpha and recognised its efforts of to coordinate the covid19 pandemic response.

“I would like to particularly thank Carpha for the support provided to TT, and other Carpha member states, for diagnostic testing for covid19, and at the same time, acknowledge the support of the European Union to strengthen Carpha’s testing capacity through the provision of additional human resources, reagents and equipment. Carpha has been a true friend to Caribbean member states. They walk with us in the light, but they also hold our hand in the darkest night.”

Dr Joy St John, Carpha executive director expressed the organisation’s pleasure in providing support to the TT government and people as it works closely with member states to identify needs and provide support to meet those needs.

Sanjin Soldatic, charge d’Affaires at the EU Delegation to TT said the donation was a demonstration of the EU’s support and commitment to the country and other Carpha member states.

“Literally within weeks from the beginning of the pandemic, the EU signed an Euro eight million programme to support Caribbean countries in the outbreak control operations through Carpha, with an immediate disbursement of almost US$6,8 million.

“Trinidad and Tobago is one of many benefitting from the work of Carpha and one of 12 countries to have received protective equipment from this programme. Provision of this equipment is only one of many planned interventions. Additional equipment, technical assistance, and guidance will form part of our shared strategic approach aimed at strengthening the capacity of public health systems in the region to deliver quality and efficient health services.”