SAINT LUCIA CONTINUES TO RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM ITS FRENCH COUNTERPARTS THROUGH A GIFT OF BIOMEDICAL EQUIPMENT.

The Ministry of Health has received a donation of biomedical resuscitation equipment from the University Hospital of Martinique to aid the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deputy Head of Mission from the Embassy of France, Marc Mertillo, said the donation demonstrates the continuation of strong medical cooperation between Saint Lucia and the University Hospital of Martinique.

“I would like to note, on behalf of the Embassy of France in Saint Lucia, that the dynamism of this medical cooperation between France and Saint Lucia benefits above all the Saint Lucian people. Let us continue to stay safe; the pandemic is not over.”

Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Glensford Joseph, expressed gratitude to the University Hospital of Martinique for its contribution to the medical sector.

“Personnel from the University Hospital of Martinique have been providing training, providing assessment of persons who have been impacted with COVID-19 and also build capacity in terms of our biomedical equipment to support the management of COVID-19 patients. This generous donation of medical equipment is just another in a series of interventions where Martinique has supported Saint Lucia in varied medical areas.”

Director of International Relations at the University Hospital of Martinique, Christiane Bourgeois-Jernidier said the hospital was pleased to provide the gift and looks forward to working with the staff at the Victoria Hospital to ensure proper care of the patients.

“Today is the last donation that will be useful to help patients, to give patients oxygenation and to prevent very acute invaluable care of resuscitation. We are very happy with the medical staff at VH because we know with the epidemic right now; the battle is still going on.”

The biomedical equipment valued at approximately EC$200, 000 included heating humidifiers, oxygenators and ultrasound nebulizers.