The United States has donated medical supplies worth $207,000 to the Ministry of Health in Trinidad and Tobago. This donation was officially handed over by U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Charlie Franta to Minister of Health Dr. Lackram Bodoe at a ceremony held at the Ministry's headquarters in Port of Spain on June 17.
The donation was made possible through the United States Southern Command’s Humanitarian Assistance Program and included 13 hospital mobile beds, 1,000 bedsheets, and various essential supplementary medical supplies. The aim is to support the healthcare system in Trinidad and Tobago by replenishing critical inventory, especially in emergency and surgical wards.
"This donation is another example of the United States’ commitment to Trinidad and Tobago and underscores our strong bilateral ties," said DCM Franta. He highlighted that last December, disaster relief equipment valued at $100,000 was provided to several agencies in Trinidad and Tobago as part of a broader humanitarian assistance initiative by SOUTHCOM.
Minister Bodoe expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the United States. "Today’s donation reaffirms that healthcare is a shared responsibility that transcends borders," he stated. He emphasized that these resources will enhance operational capacity and improve patient outcomes amid increasing demands on the public health system.
The donated supplies are set to be distributed to both Port of Spain and San Fernando general hospitals.