See originally posted release
On September 18, the United States Southern Command’s (SOUTHCOM) Humanitarian Assistance Program through the U.S. Embassy Port of Spain donated two mobile medical units, known as “Clinics in a Can,” valued at US$490,534 to the people of Trinidad and Tobago through the Ministry of Health.
At the donation ceremony at the Port of Spain General Hospital, U.S. Ambassador Candace Bond said, “The units are equipped with state-of-the-art tools and technology, such as digital x-ray machines and trauma room equipment. Their design incorporates solar panels, which makes them energy efficient. They are designed to offer a wide range of medical services, from basic care to more advanced medical treatments and procedures. These mobile medical units will significantly bolster the hospital’s capacity to support the emergency department’s response to public health emergencies and provide routine care. This is another example of how the United States of America supports Trinidad and Tobago’s public health and health delivery as Trinidad and Tobago’s good neighbor and best friend and partner in the world.”
SOUTHCOM’s Deputy Commander for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs, Major General Javier Reina said, “SOUTHCOM has partnered with the government of Trinidad and Tobago to plan and execute several humanitarian assistance projects focusing on disaster preparedness, and disaster risk reduction, health, and education.” He said the mobile units are the third pair of clinics to be donated to a country in the Western Hemisphere and Latin America. The first and second set of clinics were given to Ecuador and Honduras.
Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh expressed profound appreciation to the U.S. Embassy and SOUTHCOM for the generous contribution. He said, “I extend my sincere thanks to Ambassador Candace Bond and the U.S. Southern Command for this invaluable donation, which will significantly bolster our capacity to deliver timely, high-quality healthcare, particularly during emergencies. The inclusion of these state-of-the-art units represents a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernize the public health infrastructure of Trinidad and Tobago.”