Kingston, Jamaica. Thursday, January 30, 2025: The South East Regional Health
Authority (SERHA) categorically rejects the misleading and inaccurate statements
made by Opposition Senator Lambert Brown in the Jamaica Observer on January 28,
2025, regarding the purchase of a neurosurgical drill for the Bustamante Hospital for
Children (BHC).
Mr. Lascelles Brown, Acting Regional Director of SERHA, stated that the allegations
claiming SERHA recklessly spent $27 million on the equipment, purportedly three times
the usual price, are entirely false and misleading.
We wish to clarify the following points:
The neuro drill, a highly specialized piece of medical equipment essential for
neurosurgical procedures, was purchased for $27,267,708.00. The total expenditure
for this medical equipment is $31,467,708.00 which include various essential
accessories and attachments as well as a two-year preventative maintenance service
contract ($4.2m).
Claims suggesting that $27 million was spent only on a drill with basic accessories
are baseless and unsubstantiated:
Procurement Process
The procurement of this equipment strictly adhered to the Government of
Jamaica's Procurement Guidelines, ensuring transparency and value for
money. The neurosurgical drill was sourced from a reputable supplier and
meets all international standards for quality and safety. It is important to note
that the SERHA engaged in a competitive bidding process and three suppliers
expressed interest by submitting proposals from a low of approximately $12m
to a high of over $50m for the supply and delivery of the neurosurgical drill
for BHC based on required specifications and additional accessories,
attachments and a two-year preventative maintenance service contract.
Advanced Technology
The neurosurgical drill procured for Bustamante Hospital for Children is a
state-of-the-art, high-speed surgical tool designed for neurosurgical and
spinal procedures. It is vital for enhancing the precision and efficiency of
surgeries at the Bustamante Hospital for Children. Comparing this advanced
piece of medical technology to basic models or older models with limited
accessories at significantly lower prices is both unfair and misleading.
Investing in Healthcare
The acquisition of this neurosurgical drill is a critical investment in improving
paediatric healthcare service to critically ill children at BHC needing
neurosurgical and spinal procedures.
The equipment will play a pivotal role in saving lives and ensuring that
Bustamante Hospital for Children continues to provide world-class medical
care locally.
We urge members of the public and policymakers to verify facts regarding
specialized medical equipment before making statements that can mislead the
public and undermine trust in the healthcare system. SERHA remains
committed to ensuring the responsible use of public funds while providing the
highest quality of care to the Jamaican people.
For more information, you may also contact Mr. Anthony Wood, Chief
Executive Officer, Bustamante Hospital for Children at, (876) 317-8982.
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