Jamaica Officially Receives First Field Hospital

Jamaica officially received its first COVID-19 Field Hospital donated by the U.S Government, yesterday. This, to scale up the island’s capacity in monitoring and controlling the COVID-19 outbreak across the island.

The mobile Field Hospital, valued at twelve million Jamaican dollars is part of ongoing assistance from the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. This newly constructed field hospital features a waterproof vinyl floor with a seal-able exterior, is generator operated, with an auto wrap toilet system, and has single-stall showers. It also has eight AC units installed and boasts a temperature-controlled interior.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton in acknowledging the increase in hospitalization cases, says the facility will expand the country’s capacity and by extension ease the burden of other COVID-19 wards.

The modular hospital is equipped to operate independently and includes a high-efficiency particulate air and ultraviolet-light air-scrubber system. Medical teams using the hospital can configure it to isolate patients and conduct surgical operations, if needed.

After touring the facility Dr. Tufton highlights that it is evident it was built with the focus on infection, prevention, and control measures. In addition to the Field Hospital, SOUTHCOM has also funded the donation of hand-held thermometers.

On Tuesday, September 22, the Minister stated that three other Field Hospitals were expected across the island.

Robian Williams reports for CVM LIVE: