Dr. Kalkidan Bekele named Airport Medical Doctor at PJIA

The People’s Tribune reported that Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIA) has named Dr. Kalkidan Bekele as its Airport Medical Doctor, succeeding Dr. Swanston.

According to the newspaper’s report, Bekele will work with PJIA’s Emergency Medical Technician team and operational departments during emergencies. Her duties include providing medical expertise, helping with responses to medical incidents, and supporting triage and medical coordination during mass-casualty incidents or other major emergencies.

The People’s Tribune reported that Bekele will be PJIA’s medical contact for medical evacuations involving patients and passengers travelling through St. Maarten. Where needed, she can provide medical authorisation for the airport to reopen on behalf of the Operations Director after medevac situations involving arrivals from Saba or St. Eustatius departing through PJIA.

Bekele will also provide PJIA management with medical guidance on global health developments, including infectious diseases and other public-health concerns that could affect airport operations, the newspaper reported.