THE Covid-19 lockdown in Trinidad and Tobago may cause an increase in the birth rate early next year.
This was stated by Dr Adesh Sirjusingh, Director of Women’s Health at the Ministry of Health at the virtual media conference on Wednesday.
He said there were about 16,000 babies born each year in TT.
Dr Sirjusingh noted that questions have been asked about whether the Covid-19 restrictions might result in more babies being born.
He said this data will have to be recorded and analysed in order to improve the operation of the healthcare system.
Dr Sirjusingh, “In any given year from August going into January of the subsequent year, we do see a rise… in terms of the number of deliveries.”
He added, “Generally, there are about 1,100 to 1,200 deliveries in the low season but we have 300-400 more deliveries during those (other) months.
“We use this information to make policy decisions, ensuring there are adequate staff, supplies.”
Dr Sirjusingh said, there may be a spike in births by February or March next year.
He said more than 90 percent of deliveries take place in the public healthcare system.
Dr Sirjusingh said, “During the Covid-19 period so far we’ve actually had slightly less deliveries than last year. We have been coping exceedingly well in the system.”
