Republic Bank Continues To Support The Ministry Of Health In Its Fight Against COVID-19

April 23, 2021, Port of Spain – Republic Bank is continuing its support in the fight against Covid-19 through the donation of medical supplies to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. The Bank’s Executive Director, Derwin Howell officially handed over the first of many Isopods to NCRHA CEO, Mr. Davlin Thomas at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt. Hope on Wednesday, April 22.

The Isopod is an Individual Patient Isolation System that helps transport patients who have an infectious disease. This particular one was designed and manufactured locally by Mr. Nicholas Laing, with the support and input from more than 30 doctors from every Regional Health Authority around the country.

Responding to questions regarding the process in building this life-saving equipment, Mr. Laing said one of the most important components was to build it using locally sourced materials, “especially with the supply chain complications we have had as a result of COVID-19”.

Dr. Joanne Paul, Medical Chief of Staff, EWMSC, said, “The exciting thing about this for me is that it goes beyond COVID-19 patients, this can be utilized for cancer patients and even burn victims since the doctor or nurse can choose whether they want positive or negative pressure.

“After much deliberation, we chose to use materials that can protect against particles that are even smaller than COVID-19 particles so as to protect the thousands of frontline staff that risk their lives every day,” she added.

From the Bank’s perspective, Mr. Howell regards the contributions as not only a health benefit but an opportunity to foster economic activity locally.

“I am glad that through this donation, no foreign exchange left the country by buying things on Amazon but rather we created local economic activity by building these Isopods here. Moreover, I am very optimistic in the ability to export this item up the islands to assist our regional brothers and sisters,” he said.

As the pandemic continues to create so many challenges for us all, Republic Bank’s Power to Make A Difference programme is continuously exploring ways in which to collaborate with local governmental agencies to offer assistance.