Cancer Treatment Machines Next Year
By: , October 7, 2014The Key Point:
The Facts
- Dr. Ferguson was addressing the 2014 Convention of the Jamaica Association of Administrative Professionals (JAAP) held on Saturday, October 4, at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort in Montego Bay, St. James.
- During the function, the Minister was presented with two cheques from private donors, valued at US$153,081.25, towards the purchase of the equipment.
The Full Story
Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, says the process is advanced for the acquisition of two Linear Accelerator (Linac) machines to improve cancer treatment in the public sector.
“We are far down the wicket in relation to the procurement of these machines. My own expectation is that by next year this time, we should have those machines in place,” he stated.
Dr. Ferguson was addressing the 2014 Convention of the Jamaica Association of Administrative Professionals (JAAP) held on Saturday, October 4, at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort in Montego Bay, St. James.
During the function, the Minister was presented with two cheques from private donors, valued at US$153,081.25, towards the purchase of the equipment.
Linear technology, widely regarded as the latest in cancer treatment, utilises external beam radiation to target and destroy cancerous cells while sparing the surrounding tissues.
Dr. Ferguson said the machines, one of which will be installed at the Kingston Public, and Cornwall Regional Hospitals, will ensure that there is no cost to needy Jamaicans, who must receive radiation treatment for cancer.
He said the current cost of just under $2 million for a full course of radiation treatment is untenable.
“The cost of a full course of radiation treatment is in the region of $1.8 to $1.9 million….when we acquire these two machines…the (cost for a full dose of radiation) to poorest and the most vulnerable in our society will move from $1.8 million to zero,” he stated.
The machines are being acquired through collaboration between the National Health Fund (NHF) and the Culture, Health, Arts, Science and Education (CHASE) Fund, and with contribution from private partners.
These include the Dr. Vincent HoSang Foundation, which has donated US$132,121.25; JAAP Linac Fund Project, US$20,869; while Executive Chairman of Lasco Affiliated Companies, Lascelles Chin, has made a commitment to donate US$50,000.
Minister Ferguson, in expressing appreciation, said that Government welcomes public-partnerships in “filling gaps,” especially in a climate of financial constraints.
