Medical equipment like this can be very expensive. Thanks to the Houston, Texas, arm of the Jamaican Council, health facilities in St. Catherine and Clarendon can reduce some of those expenses. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

SPANISH TOWN, St. Catherine:

A labour of love resulted in the Jamaican Council in Houston, Texas, donating medical equipment to several institutions in the country at a cost of over US$300,000.

The donations came in the form of incubators, walkers, needles, syringes, electronically maneouvrable beds, wheelchairs, protective gowns, and several other items applicable to the health industry.

The container was opened at the Spanish Town Infirmary yesterday, where several workers from the parish council unloaded the cargo.

According to Councillor Gerval Weir, having lived in Texas for years, he had heard many complaints about the plight of the health sector in St. Catherine, where there is a lack of resources.

Weir said that at the time, then mayor, Dr. Raymoth Notice, was contacted and the needs of the Spanish Town and St. Jago health facilities were identified.

"When they told us that this aid would be on a continuous basis to deal with the medical needs of the Spanish Town Hospital, it felt good," said Dr. Notice.

"This is the third time that they are sending equipment to assist, and it still feels good," he added.

glad for assistance

Several persons endorsed the gesture of the group. Among them was Gicola Douglas-Wright, matron of the infirmary, who said she was glad assistance was coming for the infirmary at this time.

While the infirmary in Spanish Town, the health centre and the hospital have already benefited, the Cornwall Regional Hospital is set to be next in line, with two incubators and two birth beds.

Another shipment of food items from the foreign-based organisation is to grace Jamaica's shores in due course.

- Rasbert Turner