PAHO/WHO, Empowering Ministry of Health Staff to Lead the Digital Health Revolution in Trinidad and Tobago

Arima General Hospital Staff and Facilitators at the HALT Health Service Robot training

29 January 2025 – The public got its first glimpse of the future of health in August 2024, when the PAHO/WHO Trinidad and Tobago Country Office unveiled a fleet of cutting-edge health service robots, officially handing them over to the Ministry of Health (MOH) in a landmark event.

This fleet of disinfecting and humanoid healthcare robots was procured through the India-United Nations Development Partnership Fund, managed by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC). This fund has committed USD 1 million to support the "Bringing High and Low Technology (HALT) to COVID-19,” project. It is a joint effort involving the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, represented by the Ministry of Health, the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, with management of the local implementation by PAHO/WHO TTO.

Following the official handover, the next phase of the initiative focused on deploying the robots to hospitals in the relevant Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) and conducting training sessions for healthcare staff. 

Healthcare robots were deployed to hospitals in Arima, Couva, Point Fortin, and Scarborough, placing each robot where it could be most effective. The goal was to ensure these advanced tools could make the biggest impact—enhancing sanitation, supporting healthcare staff, improving patient care, and contributing to ongoing technological research. This strategic approach was designed to seamlessly integrate robotics into healthcare, making a real difference in the lives of both patients and healthcare workers.

Dr Ravi Lalla – Medical Chief of Staff - Couva Hospital and Multi-training Facility with one of the Health Service Robots
Dr Ravi Lalla – Medical Chief of Staff - Couva Hospital and Multi-training Facility with one of the Health Service Robots

 

As a key element of this rollout, the PAHO/WHO TTO team worked in collaboration with the University of Trinidad and Tobago’s Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship Unit (UTT MME) to facilitate training for staff in the four hospitals.  Over sixty members of staff across the four hospitals participated in the humanoid Health Service Robot training  .

Dr Jorrel Bisnath, Assistant Professor | Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship at The University of Trinidad and Tobago conducts a demonstration for participants of the Humanoid Health Service Robot training for the Tobago Regional Health Authority.
Dr Jorrel Bisnath, Assistant Professor | Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship at The University of Trinidad and Tobago conducts a demonstration for participants of the Humanoid Health Service Robot training for the Tobago Regional Health Authority.

 

These sessions were designed to equip staff with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively operate and integrate the robots into their daily routines. The training emphasized hands-on experience, ensuring that healthcare workers felt confident and prepared to harness this technology which would help to streamline healthcare services.

A member of the South-West Regional Health Authority team controls the Humanoid Health Service Robot via the mobile app during the training session at the Point Fortin Hospital
A member of the South-West Regional Health Authority team controls the Humanoid Health Service Robot via the mobile app during the training session at the Point Fortin Hospital

During the workshop, healthcare staff shared their experiences and feedback on the integration of health service robots. Many expressed enthusiasm about the potential of these robots to improve patient care.

This initiative is part of the Ministry of Health's overarching digital health transformation efforts, aimed at modernizing and enhancing the healthcare system in Trinidad and Tobago. By integrating advanced technologies such as health service robots, the Ministry seeks to improve efficiency, reduce the burden on healthcare workers, and provide better care for patients. These efforts are a crucial step towards creating a more connected, innovative, and resilient healthcare infrastructure that can meet the evolving needs of the population.

As the project progresses, the theme "Digital Health is for Everyone" resonates deeply, reminding us that these advancements are designed to benefit everyone, ensuring equitable access to cutting-edge healthcare solutions. Together, we are paving the way for a healthier, more connected future for Trinidad and Tobago.

Staff of the South-West Regional Health Authority and Facilitators from the University of Trinidad and Tobago at the Humanoid Health Service Robot Training in the Point Fortin Hospital
Staff of the South-West Regional Health Authority and Facilitators from the University of Trinidad and Tobago at the Humanoid Health Service Robot Training in the Point Fortin Hospital