Connect with us

TCI News

Fulford calls for establishment of COVID19 Medical Council

Published

on

#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – August 26, 2020 — SUBMITTED – After a careful analysis of the daily Ministry of Health (MOH) COVID-19 updates for the week of August 17th, one needs no convincing that the Ministry of Health needs urgent nonpartisan private sector help in tackling this pandemic.

In our beloved TCI, concerns have heightened to uncontrollable levels, as we continue to observe the tremendous increase of positives cases. During the week of August 17th, 2020 in the midst of daily double digit increases of COVID19 positives, we have seen a number of troubling signs such as:

  1. The key MoH Lab Official charged with testing was terminated, without any public explanation for his immediate dismissal. Many are suggesting this is cause for concern;
  1. Private facilities were directed to stop doing covid19 tests due to the abrupt introduction of a new policy without wide consultation with the industry.
  1. The Police Force announcement of positive covid19 cases within the Force administration where several members were placed into quarantine.
  1. The MoH temporarily shut its office in the epicenter of the virus- Provo, for deep cleaning because its own staff tested positive.
  1. The public was advised that community spread continues.
  1. Without any explanation we note a drastic and sudden increase of recoveries on the dashboard in the past 48 hours.
  1. The MoH ran out of COVID19 Tests; the Minister was warned about this happening, when my article scrutinised the donation of 10,000 of our country’s much needed Covid19 test kits to the Bahamas.  I had specifically asked for an inventory check of test kits on hand and had questioned whether we were giving away supplies that we ourselves needed in order to increase our on-island testing capacity. To date, the only answer received from the Minister of Health in that regard, is still in question, as the amount he stated had been given to the Bahamas was extremely lower than the amount officials in the Bahamas declared they received from our Government.
  1. The MOH Covid19 dashboard continues to show it is not adhering to key established guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) which is “to test and isolate all confirmed cases, even mild cases in health facilities, to prevent transmission and provide adequate care”.

So my question to the Minister of Health and the MoH Oofficials, is why are we not isolating all COVID19 positives in a facility? this is a crucial part of WHO’s recommendation that seem to be falling on deaf ears in the TCI and clearly is one of the main reason contributing to the rise of this dreadful disease within our communities.  If we are to tackle the fight of COVID19 head on, this  government must be seen as one that is spending the people’s funds on the necessary facilities and systems to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our people.

A PROPOSED SOLUTION

I am recommending the MoH immediately establish a Nonpartisan Covid19 Medical Council (CMC) made up of Physicians and Health Care Professionals from both the Private and public Sector. The CMC should be tasked with effectively monitoring and responding to covid-19 pandemic in the TCI. The CMC responsibilities should also involve a range of efforts relating to the diagnosis, response, and treatment of COVID-19 and supporting solutions to bring an end to this crisis. 

The MoH must remember, that this pandemic is far from nearing an end, as there are various other aspects it will need a pool of resourceful professionals within the industry to lean on in the coming months, with regard to new tests for COVID-19, new therapeutics, and the long awaited vaccines which may soon be available.

Covid19 is EVERYBODY’S business and if we are to combat this pandemic, the government must find a way to enlist as much of our own local expertise to overcome the widespread effects of this illness and save the health and overall wellbeing of our nation’s populace.

The CMC  will allow for a wider Action-Tank to provide swift and rapid suggestions including a way forward for facility isolation of COVID19 positive patients. Whilst I welcome this week’s MOH  most notable adjustment of the dashboard role reflecting cases by island, it is evident that this fight cannot be undertaken by them alone. The hope is that the CMC will greatly assist MOH as the challenge to combat COVID19 continues to evolve. We are all in this fight together and must remember that the health of our nation is the wealth of our nation.

We can only emerge from this emergency be working together. It is my sound advice that the MoH should establish our own Covid19 Medical Council and should do so now.


Mark A Fulford

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

Government

Register of Interests of the Members of the House of Assembly

Published

on

Turks and Caicos, September 14, 2024 – The Integrity Commission advises that the Register of Interests for Members of the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly, as at 31st December 2023 has been completed.  Members of the House of Assembly are required by the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution, Section 103(2), and the Integrity Commission Ordinance (the Ordinance), as amended, Section 52(1), to file with the Commission, Statements of Registrable Interests.

The Commission would, therefore, like to inform members of the public that, it is has compiled the information contained in these Statements of Registrable Interests and has produced The Register of Interests 2023 for the Members of the House of Assembly, as at 31st December 2023.

The Register of Interests 2023 is now available for public inspection at the following locations:

⦁ House of Assembly in Grand Turk

⦁ Office of the Premier – Grand Turk and Providenciales

⦁ Office of the Integrity Commission – Grand Turk and Providenciales (during the hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm from Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 4:00pm on Fridays.)

⦁ Office of the District Commissioner – Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Salt Cay and 1 South Caicos.

The Register can be viewed at these locations during normal working hours or at a time that is convenient for the respective offices.

For further information or any assistance please contact the Integrity Commission: By telephone at: 946-1941(Grand Turk Office) or 941-7847 (Providenciales Office)

By e-mail at: secretary@integritycommission.tc or info@integritycommission.tc

Continue Reading

News

Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross Celebrates World First Aid Day

Published

on

Turks and Caicos, September 14, 2024 – On this World First Aid Day, the Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross is proud to honor over a century of unparalleled service by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the world’s foremost first aid providers. Our dedicated volunteers have been at the forefront, offering impartial and equitable assistance during emergencies across the globe.

Today, we reaffirm that first aid is a fundamental right, empowering every individual to be a beacon of hope and the initial yet crucial part of the Survival Chain. The expansion of first aid knowledge and skills is more than a measure of preparedness; it is a cornerstone of community resilience and a robust emergency response framework. At the core of our mission is the commitment to mitigate the effects of daily mishaps and calamities, safeguard lives, and bolster the capabilities of our local communities and civil society.

In 2024, World First Aid Day casts a spotlight on the vital nexus of first aid and sports—a domain where passion and precaution coexist. As we embrace the spirit of athleticism that pushes human boundaries and fosters unity, we also recognize the inherent risks involved. Our theme, ‘First Aid in Sports,’ underscores the indispensable role of first aid in safeguarding the health and safety of athletes and spectators alike. It is a call to action to integrate first aid into the fabric of our sporting life, ensuring that every game, match, and tournament is a celebration of life and vitality, unmarred by preventable injuries.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross is dedicated to promoting first aid education and practices, ensuring that the exhilarating world of sports remains a safe space for all. Join us in observing World First Aid Day and in championing the cause of first aid readiness in every walk of life

Continue Reading

News

Turks and Caicos Vector Control Supervisors Enhance Skills at CARPHA Workshop in Cayman  

Published

on

Turks and Caicos, September 14, 2024 – Members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Environmental Health Department’s Vector Control Unit, Mr Deon Wilson and Mr Hilton Robinson, recently participated in a specialised Pest Control Machine Calibration and Maintenance Workshop held in the Cayman Islands from August 27 to 29, 2024. The training, organised and facilitated by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), aimed to strengthen the capacity of vector control staff across CARPHA Member States.

The workshop focused on the calibration and maintenance of vector control equipment, a critical component in the effective management of mosquito and other pest populations. Participants were trained to enhance their competencies in calibrating both Ultra Low Volume (ULV) and thermal fogging equipment, vital tools in the fight against vector-borne diseases.

Key topics covered in the workshop included:

  • The biology, species identification, and habitat of medically important vector species.
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to vector control.
  • Principles of adulticiding, including the application of adulticides to control adult mosquito populations.
  • An overview of ULV and thermal fogging equipment, with hands-on training in maintenance and calibration.
  • Best practices for pesticide usage, including application techniques, mixology, safe storage, and proper disposal of chemicals.

This comprehensive training opportunity will equip the Vector Control Unit with the latest knowledge and skills to effectively manage and maintain vector control operations in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The enhanced expertise gained will contribute to more efficient pest management practices, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for all residents and visitors.

The Minister of Health and Human Services commented on the training, “We are committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of our communities. By investing in the development of our Vector Control Unit, we ensure that our team is well-prepared to tackle vector-borne diseases effectively. This training provided by CARPHA is a valuable opportunity for our staff to gain critical skills in the calibration and maintenance of essential equipment, thereby enhancing our ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to pest-related health risks.” The Ministry of Health and Human Services continues to prioritise the professional development of its staff to maintain the highest standards of public health in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

For further information, please contact the Environmental Health Department at email: ehd@gov.tc or Tel: 1-649-338-2143/44. For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING