On Thursday 17th September 2020, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Trinidad and Tobago Country Office handed over ten (10) oxygen concentrators to the Ministry of Health. The oxygen concentrators were purchased through the United Nations COVID-19 Supply Chain, in collaboration with the WHO. This donation is to support the COVID-19 response and the distribution has taken into account the current epidemiological situation, population, availability of goods with the correct voltage, and the presence of vulnerable populations. The donation also included a bundle of 6 months’ consumables, accessories, and spare parts for the devices.
Oxygen concentrators are medical devices used in response to low levels of oxygen in the blood due to respiratory problems and recommended by doctors for supplemental oxygen. These devices help to convert normal air into oxygen. They provide both a sustainable and cost-effective source of medical oxygen in health facilities, including the High Dependency Unit in Trinidad and Tobago Parallel System. These devices are considered to be life-saving equipment, and will play a critical role in Trinidad and Tobago’s medical response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
