The reported spread of Ebola to four African countries should serve as a wake-up call for Trinidad and Tobago. Are we genuinely prepared to handle an imported case, or are we simply hoping that the virus does not reach our shores?
The Ministry of Health announced precautionary measures in June, including enhanced screening and monitoring of certain travellers. But with the outbreak spreading, the public deserves an updated assessment of our readiness.
I therefore call on the Minister of Health to answer some urgent questions:
1. Piarco Airport: Are our port health officers adequately trained and equipped to identify and respond to a suspected Ebola case?
2. Isolation facilities: Which hospital has been designated to receive a suspected patient, and does it have the necessary facilities, protective equipment and trained personnel?
3. Laboratory testing: Can suspected cases be tested promptly, and what arrangements exist for safely transporting specimens?
4. Contact tracing: Do we have the manpower and systems to identify, locate and monitor passengers and other persons who may have been exposed?
5. National preparedness: Has a practical emergency exercise been conducted involving the Ministry of Health, Port Health, immigration, airport authorities, hospitals and emergency services?
We cannot afford to wait until a suspected case arrives before discovering gaps in our preparedness.
Ebola is not a matter for political point-scoring. It is a matter of public safety, national security and the protection of our healthcare workers and citizens.
I call on the Minister of Health to make a public statement outlining our present state of readiness and the specific measures being taken to address any deficiencies.
Our citizens deserve facts, not assumptions. Prevention, preparation and transparency must come before a crisis.
Gordon Laughlin,
Westmoorings
