Trinidad and Tobago has been recognised and utilised by Pan American Health Organisation (Paho) as a model of best practices for the infection prevention and control standards in use at public health facilities.
So said Health Minister Therese Baptiste-Cornelis at a ceremony on Wednesday to mark the official opening of the Pan American Health Organisation's (Paho) new offices at Briar Place, Sweet Briar Road, St Clair.
Baptiste-Cornelis gave examples of the working relationship between the ministry and Paho, highlighting the Health Information System which the ministry, with assistance from Paho, is currently developing and a ten- step model to ensure all hospitals were baby-friendly, as outlined by World Health Organisation (WHO). She added because of that relationship Trinidad and Tobago was now recognised, by Paho and WHO for quality in healthcare.
Paho representative, Dr Bernadette Theodore-Gandi, spoke about the organisation's relationship in T&T, saying the 47-year-old relationship started with the basic agreement between WHO and the Government, led by then Prime Minister Dr Eric Williams. Baptiste-Cornelis said Paho and the Ministry of Health had enjoyed an excellent relationship since then. The minister also welcomed Paho's director Dr Mitra Roses Periago to T&T, assuring her she could not have chosen a better time to visit, and encouraged her to enjoy the Carnival season, describing T&T as the mecca of Carnival.