The Principal Medical Officer Institutions, Dr. Maryam Abdool-Richards, principal says while the country has been able to repatriate a number of its citizens in recent days, the capacity of the parallel healthcare system to house and quarantine them is vital.

She told the Ministry of Health’s virtual news conference yesterday that within the last 7 days 240 nationals have been repatriated from Miami, New York and Barbados.

A further 280 are expected to arrive in Port of Spain this week from the same 3 jurisdictions.

Dr. Abdool Richards said the critical factor in the repatriation process is dependent on the parallel healthcare system ability to ensure that patients can be hospitalised.

The medical professional said the parallel healthcare system also provide support via quality assurance and quality control measures to the oil and gas industry.

She said it has also managed patients on offshore facilities.