PAHO helps polyclinics enhance COVID-19 testing

by Anesta Henry

With increased flights expected to come to the island in the near future, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has donated equipment to the Eunice Gibson and the Branford Taitt Polyclinics to enhance their COVID-19 testing capabilities.

PAHO/WHO Representative, Barbados & the Eastern Caribbean, Dr Yitades Gebre, said the donation of equipment, including laptops, printers, ink and other items, to the two primary healthcare institutions cost BDS$20 000.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony at the Branford Taitt Polyclinic, Warrens, St Michael, Minister of Health and Wellness Lt Col Jeffrey Bostic said the donation was timely in light of the fact that Barbados could soon expect increased flights from the United States, United Kingdom and the region.

He said although the efforts of the COVID-19 response team on the ground have been outstanding, because of the increased numbers coming to the island, there was a need for additional resources.

“At the forefront of this effort going forward will be the use of technology. So the computers are very timely, especially at the primary health care facilities where there is testing and they are responsible for contact tracing. We will be adding some other things as well within the coming weeks,” Bostic said.

He added that the Ministry will soon be issuing persons going into quarantine with bracelets to allow their whereabouts to be monitored.

Meanwhile, Dr Gebre said in light of the fact that no region is out of the woods as it relates to the threat COVID-19 poses, healthcare workers are crucial to maintaining healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Gebre noted that front-line staff conduct clinical assessments and administer treatment to COVID-19 patients presenting with non-COVID-19 emergencies, and patients requiring routine check-ups.

“It is not only important to think of how the virus spreads, but when and where it transmits. For this we need to look at the context, the intensity, and the duration of contact. By thinking this way, we can identify ways to minimise our risks.

“We need to strengthen the capacity of healthcare services across all levels and to equip healthcare workers with the appropriate resources and training in order to ensure an adequate and timely response to the pandemic within the healthcare system,” the PAHO representative said.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Elizabeth Mandeville shared that, to-date, at the Eunice Gibson Polyclinic, 2,244 swabs were conducted while 1 909 were done at the Branford Taitt Polyclinic. She said there was capacity to accommodate 100 persons for testing on a daily basis from Monday to Friday at each facility and on Saturdays at Branford Taitt Polyclinic.

Dr Mandeville said there was a separate area designated for COVID-19 testing, to which clients from several local businesses, patients and travelers have come to have their tests done in a structured and safe environment, free of cost at the point of delivery.

The doctor added that the number of persons requiring a COVID-19 test has significantly increased with time, and noted that it is therefore imperative that various technologies be employed to meet the demand.

She applauded Dr Gebre for the instrumental role he has played in acquiring computers and other equipment needed at the polyclinics.

“It is anticipated that this donation will improve the efficiency of the local COVID-19 response and by extension primary health care in general,” Dr Mandeville said.

anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb