( L - R ) Bullock-Ducasse and Baugh Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter
Opposition Spokesman on Health, Dr. Ken Baugh, has expressed concern that some of the major pieces of equipment purchased for installation in major hospitals in time for the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup are yet to be put in place.
Horace Dalley, Minister of Health, last year announced that equipment valued at US$8.9 million (J$600 million) had been ordered for hospitals.
"I am certain that the CT scan units are not in a position to be used in time for the opening ceremony (on Sunday)," Dr. Baugh told The Gleaner Tuesday.
He noted that equipment such as the MRIs and CT scans require special housing units and have not yet been installed in the three main hospitals - Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), Cornwall Regional Hospital and the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).
KPH, the major referral hospital in the island, currently operates without an MRI or CT scan machine.
A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside the body. An MRI (or magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a radiology technique that uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce images of body structures.
"We can cope under regular conditions but I am concerned if there is going to be a great demand," said Dr. Baugh.
Mr. Dalley also announced last year that anMRI machine, among other equipment, would be installed in four hospitals across the island.
Final preparations
Contacted Tuesday, Dr. Marion Bullock-DuCasse, director of emergency, disaster management and special services in the Ministry of Health, confirmed that the equipment, including the three CT scan machines for the three major hospitals had arrived and final preparations were being made to install them.
She was, however, unable to say when they would be installed, noting that the ministry was assessing as they went along.
Dr. Bullock-DuCasse said private services are available in Kingston and Montego Bay, if the need arises.
She noted that additional radiology equipment has been distributed to hospitals across the island. A majority of the 40 ambulances, which were ordered, have also been distributed to hospitals across the island.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bullock-DuCasse said the health services at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium are in place.
"We are set up at the stadium in six different areas to provide coverage for teams, spectators, match officials and everybody that needs our service," she said.
The director of emergency services said four ambulances were on site while two others are at the Falmouth Hospital. Two fire trucks are also on site. She said a similar situation would be in place in Kingston, with the UHWI being the designated health facility.
petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com
