Health Ministry Receives Items from FFP

The Ministry of Health has received healthcare items, including 200 wheelchairs, from Food for the Poor (FFP), which are to be distributed to health facilities across the island.

The other items, which included 40 hospital beds, four operating theatre lights, two stretchers and 51 sofas, were handed over during a ceremony at the FFP’s headquarters in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, on February 12.

Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, in welcoming the gift, thanked the organization for its continued generosity.

“This donation exemplifies the true spirit of philanthropy and a sincere commitment to work in tandem with the government to help develop the country. It also signifies recognition that putting the nation’s interest at heart is not a job for the Government alone. I hope that other organizations will use this as an inspiration to get involved and follow suit,” he said.

The Minister pointed out that Food for the Poor has always been one of the Ministry’s longstanding partners in healthcare and has never neglected to lend assistance in any way it can.

“You are indeed an example to all of us and to other organizations, as we work towards improving health care services to all Jamaicans. With this donation you will be bringing joy to many more lives,” he said.

Dr. Ferguson added that the donation is an example of what it means to work together to meet the obligations to citizens, “as we continue the fine tradition of partnership and co-operation in the provision of health services to the people of Jamaica.”

Meanwhile, Executive Director of the FFP, Jacqueline Johnson, said it is hoped that the items will significantly boost the resources in hospitals across the island. She noted that the sofas, in particular, are for use in reception areas, grief counselling facilities, and consultation units in hospitals.

“We do hope that these items, donated through the goodwill of many altruistic supporters of FFP, will assist the Ministry of Health, its Regional Health Authorities and related organizations as you work to deliver quality health care islandwide,” she said.