Trinidad and Tobago is transforming its healthcare system through innovative technologies and strategic support from PAHO/WHO. In hospitals across the country, health workers are using new tools that not only enhance patient care but also improve efficiency, safety, and data management. Among the most notable innovations is Roberta, a disinfecting ultraviolet robot deployed at Scarborough General Hospital in Tobago. Introduced through the HALT to COVID-19 project and funded by the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, Roberta rapidly disinfects clinical spaces, reducing room downtime from 12 hours to just five to ten minutes, while also minimizing the use of bleach. The Ministry of Health has received eight health service robots in total, including two disinfecting and six humanoid healthcare robots, helping facilities manage higher patient volumes safely.
Vaccine storage has also been strengthened through solar-powered refrigerators provided via the PAHO Revolving Fund. These units maintain vaccines within the critical 2–8°C range for up to three days during power outages, ensuring continuity of immunization programs and emergency response. Health workers have emphasized the peace of mind these refrigerators provide, particularly in remote clinics where electricity is unreliable. PAHO/WHO plans to further enhance the system with remote temperature monitoring, improving cold chain resilience nationwide.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, Trinidad and Tobago is modernizing health information management with the Perinatal Information System (SIP and SIP Plus). This digital system securely stores thousands of maternal and newborn records, allowing authorized personnel to access and share data instantly across facilities. The digitization of records has improved patient care, standardized data collection, and streamlined hospital workflows. Clinicians can now retrieve complete patient information with a single click, enhancing efficiency and ensuring consistent, high-quality care across the country.
Together, these innovations—robotic disinfection, solar-powered vaccine storage, and digital health records—demonstrate how Trinidad and Tobago is reimagining healthcare. By combining technology, training, and strategic support, the country is improving infection control, vaccine security, and clinical decision-making, setting a model for resilient and innovative healthcare systems.
