The British Virgin Islands is now equipped with a fully functional medical field hospital that can house up to 40 beds in the event of a major medical crisis or following the impact of a natural disaster.
The medical field hospital was assembled last week after its recent arrival in the territory.
It was described by the Disaster Preparedness Coordinator of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Mr. Rodney Brathwaite, as a facility that is self-sufficient with capabilities of operating on its external generator for up to two full days.
Braithwaite said the next goal of the BVIHSA is to liaise with the Pan American Health Organisation to have the facility certified as a Level 1 facility which will authorize the facilitation of more procedures.
He said the ultimate goal is to get the facility certified to Level 3, which will allow for the accommodation of minor surgeries.
284News also spoke to the representative of Western Shelter Company Mr. Jorge Ortiz, which is the company responsible for manufacturing and procuring the facility.
He described the facility as being extremely durable and spoke about the training exercises which were part of the overall package.
For the full detailed story, tune into 7pm newscast this evening.