Local Firm Caribbean Health Access (CHA) Offers US$30K Lifeline To Jamaica
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a timely donation of medical equipment valued at US$30,000 has brought hope to Jamaica’s Bustamante Children’s Hospital, facilitated by the T&T-based Caribbean Health Access (CHA).
Its Managing Director, Matthew Sammy, said the contribution demonstrates the power of regional solidarity in times of crisis.
He noted that earlier this year, they signed a joint communiqué with Jamaica’s Ministry of Health, pledging support in clinical training, AI diagnostics, and hospital planning.
« So for the past couple of years, we have been collaborating with the government of Jamaica, giving them support in terms of both adult and paediatric cases that weren’t able to be treated at the facility. So we’ve always maintained great relationship with the Chief Medical Officer, the senior medical officers, as well as the specialists at Bustamante Children’s Hospital. »
With Category 5 Hurricane Melissa striking the island some weeks ago, Mr. Sammy says the timing of the delivery was critical.
« We agreed to give them support in terms of clinical competency, artificial intelligence and diagnostics, hospital planning, as well as development. And we did a tour of the Bustamante facility with the Chairman, Mr. Kenny Benjamin, as well as Mr. Anthony Woods and Dr. Dawson Richards of the Hospital where, you know, we saw where there was a need for some improvements. »
Bustamante Children’s Hospital now handles up to 85% of Jamaica’s paediatric cases. Mr. Sammy says the donation, though modest compared to the need, is making a difference.
« Where it was in New Kingston, it was delivered the week right after the hurricane. So on that same day, I got a call from the CEO, Mr. Woods, who, along with Mr. Kenny Benjamin, who they conveyed the sincere thanks and the fact that with the devastation of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, a lot more of the paediatric cases actually being brought into the Bustamante Hospital. »
Caribbean Health Access sees this as more than disaster relief and part of a long-term vision for regional healthcare.
« The areas that were impacted were impassable, and they actually had to airlift a lot of the patients into Kingston for treatment. So, you know, it is timely, you know, that this medical equipment can be utilised to lend much support. I mean, by no means to US$30,000 is any great measure when you talk about the sheer size of the population. However, you know, we were grateful that our contribution, was meaningful. »
Caribbean Health Access says it is planning similar initiatives across the region, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening healthcare systems throughout the Caribbean.
