The Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit received a donation of items from the Russian Federation last Friday.{{more}}

The donated equipment includes infant incubators, phototherapy irradiators, neonatal tables, infant ventilators and infant humidifiers and the total value of the items amounted to US$100,000.

Local staff also received a briefing on the proper use and maintenance of the medical equipment. This was conducted by a team of engineers and technicians from the Russian Federation, Ambassador Nikolay Smirnov said:

“The care for the nation’s children is the number one priority; that was why we decided and thought that this medical equipment will be very important for Caribbean countries.”

He said that this was one way to show that although the distance between the two nations was significant, his country was still in a position to offer assistance.

The medical workers expect that the addition of the equipment will enhance the delivery of early childhood care in the country.

This was supported by Minister of Health Clayton Burgin, who said that the donation of the equipment will impact significantly on the quality of patient care and treatment.

“I am advised that the choice of equipment is indeed appropriate and will meet our priority health needs. I am also advised that any donation of medical equipment and supplies can be of benefit to hospitals in resource poor settings,” Burgin said.

He, however, cautioned that the recipients had a responsibility to manage the donation to ensure that it benefits all.

Burgin further explained that the donation came at an opportune time, during the development of the local medical services.

“What is happening in the development of the national health sector cannot be denied,” the Minister of Health said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Senator Camillo Gonsalves also pointed to local efforts to improve the health facilities, including the pediatric and maternity wards.

He commended the medical staff, saying that they were doing an excellent job in taking care of the nation’s mothers and children – and sometimes under some difficult circumstances.

As he thanked the government of the Russian Federation for their generosity, he said that the country is one of the world’s greatest powers and currently has diplomatic relations with over 190 countries, including St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“We are very lucky to have Nikolay,” Gonsalves said.

“We are hoping to have greater, frequent visits and we hope that this is the beginning of a renewal of a beautiful relationship,” he continued. (DD)