Roche Pharmaceuticals Donates US$20,000 To Cornwall Regional Hospital

Cancer and renal patients accessing care at the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) in St. James are set to benefit from enhanced service delivery, following a US$20,000 donation from Roche Pharmaceuticals to strengthen the hospital’s oncology and nephrology departments.

The donation, which also includes two Starlink devices to improve digital connectivity, was officially handed over during a ceremony held at the Type A facility on Friday (March 27) and forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare services in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

Clinical Coordinator at the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), Dr. Delroy Fray, underscored the significance of the contribution, noting the high demand for specialised services at the institution.

“On a daily basis, the oncology department sees [approximately] 70 patients,” he said.

Dr. Fray further stated that the hospital also operates an extensive dialysis programme to meet patient needs, noting that the services provided are critical to patient survival and well-being.

He also highlighted the financial relief provided to patients through Government support, noting that access to costly cancer treatment is significantly eased through the National Health Fund (NHF).

“When you look at the cost of the drugs that we use to treat cancer patients, it is enormous… in excess of $800,000, $900,000… $1.5 million and guess what? The NHF provides all these medications for our patients free of cost,” he said.

Dr. Fray stressed that this support ensures individuals can access life-saving treatment without the burden of prohibitive expenses.

He pointed out that the partnership with Roche will support improvements to the environment within the department, enhancing comfort for patients as they access treatment.

For his part, Healthcare Ecosystem Partner at Roche Pharmaceuticals, Jermaine Spence, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to advancing equitable healthcare through strategic partnerships.

“You didn’t just keep the doors open. You kept hope alive for hundreds of Jamaicans relying on oncology and nephrology treatments,” Mr. Spence said, while commending the efforts of healthcare workers at the facility.

He emphasised that the donation goes beyond financial support, representing a shared vision to improve patient outcomes and system resilience.

Mr. Spence further noted that the provision of connectivity tools, including the Starlink devices, will support digital transformation within the units, enabling more efficient and coordinated care delivery.

“In modern medicine, data is a lifeline,” he said, adding that the intervention is aimed at ensuring that patients continue to receive high-quality care, regardless of external challenges.

Meanwhile, Head of Oncology at CRH, Dr. Harvey Crawford, welcomed the donation, noting that it will go a far way in improving patient care.

“The cheque is going to be used to enhance the quality of patient care, and with improved communication, the hospital functions far better,” Dr. Crawford said.