The COVID-19 testing capacity at two of Barbados’ polyclinics have been enhanced by donations of information technology equipment by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). On Friday 25 September 2020, PAHO equipped the Eunice Gibson and Brandford Taitt Polyclinics each with a laptop, monitor, printer and related accessories.
PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr Yitades Gebre, said “A strong COVID-19 response must include a comprehensive strategy for surveillance and testing at all levels, we are pleased that Barbados has decentralized the testing sites.” He noted that PAHO’s contribution to the effort included testing supplies, swabs, personal protective equipment (PPE), computers and printers to support the work and efficiencies at the polyclinics.
Lt Col Jeffrey Bostic, Minister of Health and Wellness said “We are planning to re-organize with what we have, add some additional resources, but at the forefront of the effort would be the use of technology, so the computers are very, very, timely, especially at the primary healthcare facilities that are doing testing and that are responsible for contact tracing.”
In her remarks Dr Elizabeth Mandeville, Medical Officer of Health at the Eunice Gibson Polyclinic thanked PAHO for the donation and said “It is important to have a well-equipped COVID-19 testing area at all primary health care facilities such as the Eunice Gibson and Brandford Taitt Polyclinics.”
While expressing gratitude for the timely donation of equipment and rapid response to an identified need, Dr Kimberly Philips, Medical Officer of Health at the Brandford Taitt Polyclinic said “The Pan American Health Organization understand the importance of primary health care to the overall success of healthcare delivery.”
