#MelissaAftermath: Field hospital to be deployed to Black River, says Tufton

In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on St Elizabeth, Jamaica, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Christopher Tufton has announced the deployment of a field hospital to Black River within 24 hours. The initiative aims to restore critical health services disrupted by the hurricane. The field hospital, equipped with an operating theatre, diagnostic tools, and medical staff, will be set up by the non-governmental organization Samaritan’s Purse in collaboration with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and other government agencies. Dr. Tufton emphasized that the facility will provide immediate support while assessments of the damaged Black River Hospital are conducted. Additionally, another field hospital is expected from Spain, with ongoing discussions to establish more facilities in Trelawny and Westmoreland through partnerships with Canada and India. The minister highlighted the need for psychological support for traumatized health workers and called for increased blood donations to address the surge in trauma and emergency cases. Over 200 health workers will also participate in a nationwide clean-up effort to assist hospitals in the most affected areas. Restoration of primary health facilities across the island is anticipated within the next week.