In June of this year (2020) the UNDP, through its Primary Healthcare Initiative Phase II project, procured twelve (12) ultrasound machines for the Ministry of Health (MoH). These machines are to be distributed to the emergency departments (EDs) of the following Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) throughout Trinidad and Tobago:

·       Eastern RHA -               3

·       North Central RHA -     2

·       North West RHA -          1

·       South West RHA -         5

·       Tobago -                         1

Access to round-the-clock ultrasound testing has become a standard tool for all emergency departments at an international level. The acquisition of these ultrasound machines would complement existing machines, ensuring that ultrasound testing would be accessible in all emergency departments throughout Trinidad and Tobago, thereby improving the level of health care meted out to citizens.

The ultrasound machines are an integral part of the Ministry’s efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. In cases where patients exhibit respiratory symptoms and are suspected of having Covid-19, the machines can be used to conduct chest scans to determine if they have pneumonia. The machines will also assist with the diagnosis of patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) who are suffering from heart and chest pains. In addition, the machines can be used on trauma patients to determine if they have suffered injuries to their inner abdomen or chest.

The UNDP Trinidad and Tobago office continues to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to improve the delivery of health care services to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.