Preemie Foundation to hand over 15 Oxygen Concentrator machines valued at J$3 million

Jamaica’s neonatal health care system is getting a big boost with tomorrow’s donation of 15 Oxygen Concentrator machines at an overall value of J$3 million.

The machines, which are being donated by the Preemie Foundation, will go to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) across the island. The foundation has planned a handover ceremony at Toyota Jamaica, 93 Old Hope Road, starting at 9:30, where Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton and other members of the national health programme will be in attendance.

The Oxygen Concentrator drive was an initiative held by the Preemie Foundation of Jamaica, which was executed for NICU Awareness Month in September 2021. The drive concluded at the end of December 2021 with a donation of 15 Oxygen Concentrators by corporate and individual donors.

The equipment will be distributed to hospital NICU’s across the island of Jamaica. Oxygen treatment remains inaccessible for a large portion of severely ill preemies, particularly amid the COVID-19 crisis. Most premature babies’ lungs and other organs are not sufficiently developed to breathe and take sufficient oxygen around the body.

Oxygen Concentrator drive

Low oxygen levels can lead to severe brain damage, organ failure or death. Therefore, for NICU Awareness Month in September 2021 the Preemie Foundation started a drive to purchase at least 20 Portable Oxygen Concentrators for NICUs across the island.

The foundation was successful in purchasing 15. An oxygen concentrator does not rely on the hospital’s oxygen source, but pulls natural air in, separates the oxygen and delivers it via tube or mask to the baby.

It is believed that this will offer much-needed reprieve for the families and healthcare workers with many premature or critically ill babies needing oxygen across the island. Among the corporate donors were Toyota Jamaica, which bought two machines and one each from Friendly Lodge of Jamaica, Bank of Jamaica, Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission, Sagicor Jamaica, National Commercial Bank,  Senior Accounting Services and Tami and Wayne Mitchell.

The six remaining machines were donated through monies raised and persons, who wish to remain anonymous.

Beneficiary Hospitals:

● Spanish Town Hospital- 2

● University of the West Indies Hospital – 1

● Victoria Jubilee Hospital- 2

● Princess Margaret Hospital- 1

● St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital- 2

 ● Port Antonio Hospital- 1

● Mandeville Regional Hospital- 2

● Savanna La Mar Public General Hospital -2

● Cornwall Regional Hospital-2