The COVID-19 fighting capacity of Guyana is set to be boosted with the arrival of a field hospital from Qatar, later this week.
Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony said the mobile hospital will be established in the compound of the West Demerara Regional Hospital and would accommodate 60 beds. It would also be fully equipped with the necessary equipment to treat critically ill patients.
“This hospital would have the beds required for COVID-19 patients and will also have things like ventilators and monitors so if it’s necessary to intubate someone that will be able to do that,” Dr. Anthony said, during Monday’s COVID-19 update.
“They will have all the necessary equipment to assist somebody who’s critically ill…This would increase our capacity to respond to spikes.”
The field hospital is part of the realization of a commitment made by Qatar to the Guyana Government last October. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani had held discussions on the countries’ bilateral relations.
Last year, the two leaders had discussed the fight against the Coronavirus Pandemic and critical areas of support for Guyana. The Emir committed to providing Guyana with much-needed equipment including portable military hospitals and ventilators.
Other areas identified for collaboration include support for the agriculture sector through investments in the halaal industry, expansion of the housing programme, the strengthening of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and support in other critical sectors including energy. Following the engagement, the teams also proceeded to design programmes and projects to access resources from the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).
Guyana has also benefited from COVID-19 support from other countries including, Mexico, China, India and Kuwait. The country has received donations of several ventilators, and quantities of medication and personal protective equipment to boost its capacity.
CMC
