Direct Relief, a U.S. based non-profit medical relief and health assistance organization donated US$30,000 worth of pharmaceuticals to InterHealth Canada – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital following a successful application by the healthcare management company.
During a media briefing held on Monday October 16th, 2017 at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, InterHealth Canada graciously handed over a portion of the supplies to the Ministry of Health to support and bolster the Primary Health care Department’s inventory. The World Health Organization also donated a supply of items via the British Military. The donation helps to reduce the operational expenditure of TCI Hospital and Primary Health care.
Daniel Carriere – TCI Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Doctor Denise Braithwaite Tennant – Chief of Medical Services and Tony Wilton – TCI Hospital’s Pharmacy Manager were in attendance. Doctor David Bernardo, a Medical Officer within the Primary Health care Department, accepted the supplies on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Human Services.
InterHealth Canada Corporate Board referred the international charity to the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital following the passage of Hurricane Irma. The Director of TCI’s Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies also provided guidance.
An application process was completed by the local hospital management team and pharmaceuticals of value were selected from the organization’s inventory via a collaborative effort with Primary Health care. The donated pharmaceuticals will be provided to patient’s free of charge and will not be billed to the National Health Insurance Plan.
Direct Relief is dedicated to serving the poor and victims of natural disasters and civil strife in the United States and throughout the world. Assistance is provided by distributing donated medical goods to charitable health care institutions and organizations. The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with international public health.
Commenting on the handover, TCI Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Carriere said: “Direct Relief has been used in conjunction with InterHealth Canada in Sub-Saharan countries in Africa for humanitarian relief purposes. Hence, the company was familiar with the organization and the application process commenced. During any natural crisis, collaboration, cooperation and communication is essential among stakeholders. This is just one successful example of how these efforts can benefit both partners and the community at large.”