Caption: US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Charlie Franta and Minister of Health Dr Lackram Bodoe at the donation of medical supplies to the Ministry of Health
By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE Ministry of Health has received medical supplies valued at US$207,000 from the US government.
The donation was received on Tuesday by Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe.
US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Charlie Franta presented the items to Dr Bodoe at the Ministry of Health’s headquarters in Port of Spain.
The donation was facilitated through the United States Southern Command’s (SOUTHCOM) Humanitarian Assistance Program, a media release from the embassy stated.
The donation included 13 hospital mobile beds, 1,000 bedsheets, and a variety of essential supplementary medical supplies.
The release stated, “This contribution is part of the US government’s ongoing commitment to supporting Trinidad and Tobago’s healthcare system. These donated items will help replenish critical inventory, particularly in emergency and surgical wards.”
DCM Franta said, “This donation is another example of the United States’ commitment to Trinidad and Tobago and underscores our strong bilateral ties. Last December, the United States provided disaster relief equipment and supplies valued at US$100,000 to several agencies in Trinidad and Tobago. These donations are part of a larger SOUTHCOM humanitarian assistance program that has seen more than US$10 million in support provided to Trinidad and Tobago over the past decade.”
Dr Bodoe thanked the US for its continuing generousity.
He said, “Today’s donation reaffirms that healthcare is a shared responsibility that transcends borders. It represents not only the responsiveness of our partners to the expressed needs of our hospitals but also the spirit of cooperation that defines our bilateral relationship. With increasing demands on our public health system, these resources will go a long way in boosting our operational capacity and improving patient outcomes.”
The supplies will be distributed to the Port of Spain and San Fernando general hospitals, Dr Bodoe said.
