T&T’s Parallel healthcare system crosses 400 since June

By a Staff Reporter: For the first time since June 2021, occupancy in Trinidad and Tobago’s parallel healthcare system has crossed 400.

Prinicipal Medical Officer of Institutions at the Ministry of Health Dr Maryam Abdool-Richard’s disclosed this at Wednesday’s Ministry of Health Media briefing where she noted that as of Wednesday morning, there were 427 patients in the parallel healthcare system.

Giving an update on ICU admissions, Dr Richards said that out of 60 ICU beds in Trinidad, 52 are currently occupied and with Tobago having only 5 ICU beds, 2 are occupied. She added that 52 persons are currently awaiting transfer from the accident and emergency in the traditional healthcare system to the ICU in the parallel healthcare system which she noted, is a significant increase in numbers.

When asked about the status of the field hospitals, Dr Richards said that the field hospital at the Hasely Crawford Stadium has been re-operationalized with 28 ward level beds as these are reserved for the least ill persons entering the accident & emergency and not ICU or HDU patients.