By LINDSAY THOMPSON
NASSAU, Bahamas (BIS) – The Bahamas and Israel are seeking to forge closer ties in areas such as medical technology and infrastructure, should there be a fourth wave of COVID-19 to impact this country.
This was discussed during a Courtesy Call by His Excellency Zvi Tal, Ambassador of the State of Israel to The Bahamas, on the Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville at the ministry on Monday, November 22, 2021.
Israel has seen weeks of steady decline in COVID-19 cases and is expected to launch its children’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign. And, The Bahamas is seeking to adopt best practices in anticipating of a fourth surge.
“We have much to learn from Israel’s experience,” said Dr. Darville, as he welcomed the ambassador at the ministry on Meeting Street.
“Healthcare is paramount for us and we are looking for the expertise to assist us to analyze statistical data and to enter bilateral agreements for medical supplies,” he said.
Dr. Darville, who is also an engineer, noted that Prime Minister Davis appointed him some 11 weeks ago to stabilize the medical health services and infrastructure, which took a hit during the height of the COVID-19 experience in The Bahamas.
It is hoped that Israel can offer technical assistance in upgrades to medical facilities across the country. There are 91 public health clinics, 23 of which are in “desperate need” of reforms and upgrades in the immediate short term, the minister said.
He pointed out the uniqueness of The Bahamas as an archipelago, which proves challenging in the delivery of healthcare to the communities.
“There is a strong possibility of a fourth surge (COVID-19) in our country based on what’s going on globally,” Dr. Darville said, as he put forward the benefits of a field hospital should this happen.
He further shared that The Bahamas has the highest incidence of noncommunicable diseases per capita in the region and that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed this issue.
He also told the Israeli Ambassador that the Bahamas Government has ended the State of Emergency Orders and implemented legislation for better control and self-discipline regarding COVID-19. In the meantime, a booster shot for those particularly vulnerable, and those over 60 years old, is being considered.
Dr. Darville also spoke to the shortage of nurses in the country due to brain drain. He also discussed implementation of telemedicine, which is essential in a pandemic environment, and the construction of two hospitals as foreshadowed in the Speech from the Throne, which was read following September 16 General Election.
Ambassador Tal said Israel had a presence in The Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian with humanitarian assistance and field hospitals. He said one of the ways Israel has managed its COVID-19 pandemic was by maintaining medical records of each citizen, accessible by private and public health care processionals. This helped to keep track of their medical progress.
He pledged to assist the ministry through the transfer of technology, capacity building, and sharing best practices.
Ambassador Tal was accompanied by Israel’s Honorary Consul in The Bahamas, Arthur Seligman. Also present were: Philip Swann, acting Chief Medical Officer; Colin Higgs, Permanent Secretary; and other officials from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
