KINGSTON, Jamaica — A local manufacturer has donated two pallets of Vital Oxide, a hospital-grade disinfectant product, to the Ministry of Health and Wellness to support sanitation efforts across public health facilities.

In a press release on Monday, Lubricating Specialities Company (LSC) and Vital Solutions said it made the donation, which was carried out in collaboration with Tile City Cares as part of the company’s Hurricane Melissa relief initiatives.

The disinfectant is now being deployed across Jamaican public health facilities to support infection control, mould remediation, and sanitation efforts.

The product is used in healthcare and restoration environments where high sanitation standards are required.

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton welcomed the contribution, noting that partnerships of this nature support the ministry’s ongoing efforts to maintain safe and sanitaryfacilities.

“As we continue to strengthen our health system, we are always looking for new and

effective solutions,” Tufton said. He added that the ministry would explore the possibility of future bulk procurement following their own use and assessment of the product.

According to Chief Executive Officer of Lubricating Specialities Company (LSC), Sydney Thwaites, the product has proven effective in healthcare settings.

“While COVID-19 is now under control, this disinfectant played a crucial role during the pandemic,” Thwaites said.

The manufacturer noted that the product is also effective against mold, a persistent issue in some hospitals and clinics following hurricane-related flooding.

Thwaites emphasised that the product is not limited to emergency use and can be valuable in other environments, such as schools.

Environmental specialist Everton Baker highlighted the potential community-level impact of the donation.

“This will go a long way in helping to alleviate some of the challenges we face,” Baker stressed.