Diaspora hunt COVID gear as shortages rack US

Pleas to expatriates for donations of medical equipment and gear as the Jamaican health sector braces for a surge in COVID-19 cases could founder because of shortages in the United States, where key diaspora centres are buckling under the weight of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Some hospitals in the US have reportedly been advising healthcare professionals to recycle personal protective equipment, with doctors and nurses being forced to wear jumbo garbage bags for safety.

Dr Robert Clarke, head of Help Jamaica Medical Mission, said that recently, he had to wait one hour before entering the operating room because he was asked to recycle his equipment, something he refused to do because of the danger it posed.

“I am dealing with several coronavirus patients and it is unthinkable that I am asked to recycle equipment that I have already used,” Clarke told The Gleaner.

Diaspora leaders recognise the enormity of the challenge.

According to a list distributed to the diaspora, the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Jamaica is seeking 50,000 N95 masks; 400,000 surgical masks for healthcare workers; 400,000 surgical gloves for patients; goggles, face shields, medical protection gowns, ICU beds, among other things.

Wendy Hart, president of the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), has acknowledged the challenges of procuring medical gear and equipment.

Hart conceded that the shortage of protective gear in the US would make the effort of AFJ and other coordinating entities that much harder.

Dr Karren Dunkley, Northeast Diaspora Council member, and Dr Trevor Dixon, head of Jah Jah Foundation, bemoaned the crunch that faced the Jamaican Government.

“They should have been procured before. We want to support Jamaica but we on the front line don’t have enough to protect ourselves here,” said Dixon, who leads medical missions to Jamaica.

Fundraiser

Hart said that the AFJ has launched a US$200,000 fundraiser to assist with purchasing equipment.

“We know what the situation is on the ground with people out of work, but if those who are working can give $10 or $20, it builds up, and we will be able to secure some equipment,” she said.

Meanwhile, Jamaica-born Rhode Island elected member of that state’s legislature, Marcia Ranglin-Vassell, has launched a US$10,000 fundraiser to benefit the residents of Bull Bay in St Andrew.

A product of that community, Ranglin-Vassell said that the funds would be used to purchase food, medical supplies, water, and other items for residents who have been under quarantine for two weeks. The quarantine will be lifted on Saturday.

“We are not waiting to collect the entire $10,000. We will be sending funds to the community once we hit the first $5,000,” she said.

The funds will be disbursed through churches, schools, and community organisations, she said.