The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has donated a fully equipped mobile health clinic to the Ministry of Health as part of efforts to improve access to healthcare in underserved and hard-to-reach communities across Trinidad and Tobago.
The donation was announced on Wednesday and forms part of a partnership involving UNFPA, the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, the Ministry of Health and the Family Planning Association of Trinidad and Tobago (FPATT).
The clinic will be operated by FPATT under the oversight of the Ministry of Health.
It is intended to bring sexual and reproductive health services, primary healthcare screening, diagnostic services and emergency care directly to communities where geographical barriers may make access to healthcare facilities more difficult.
The climate-controlled mobile unit has two clinical screening and examination spaces, an examination bed, diagnostic kits, medical refrigeration and examination lights, as well as other medical equipment.
It is also equipped to respond to emergencies, with oxygen, suction equipment, resuscitation bags, a spinal board, stretcher and head immobiliser.
According to UNFPA, the mobility of the clinic will allow FPATT to conduct community outreach, facilitate early screening and provide health education while referring patients to primary healthcare facilities and the wider public health system when additional care is required.
The initiative is expected to expand FPATT’s capacity to provide healthcare services in communities throughout Trinidad and Tobago and complement existing primary healthcare services.
UNFPA said the donation reflects its continued commitment to supporting national partners and advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, particularly among vulnerable and underserved populations.
FPATT has worked with national, regional and international partners on sexual and reproductive health and rights in Trinidad and Tobago for several years.
The partners said the mobile clinic represents a step towards more equitable access to healthcare and a more people-centred approach to service delivery.
