Patients in western Jamaica now have access to advanced cardiac care without the need to travel to Kingston, thanks to a new state-of-the-art catheterisation laboratory (cath lab) recently opened by Montego Bay-based Hospiten.

The facility, a significant investment of US$900,000, aims to bridge a critical gap in healthcare services in the region.

Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony in the second city last Friday (February 21), Pedro Luis Cobiella Beauvais, vice chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Hospiten, emphasised the importance of timely medical intervention in saving lives.

“This presented significant challenges, not just in terms of distance and cost but in the precious time lost when urgent intervention was needed. By bringing this advanced cardiac cath lab to Montego Bay, we are closing a critical health care gap,” said Cobiella Beauvais.

He further noted the significant impact this facility will have on the community, ensuring that patients receive life-saving cardiac care close to home.

“We are ensuring that people in this region have access to immediate, life-saving cardiac care without the need to leaving their communities. This facility will reduce the travel burden, improve emergency response time, and most importantly, it will save a lot of lives,” he said.

The cath lab is expected to enhance emergency care for patients suffering from heart attacks and other cardiac conditions, leading to higher survival rates and better patient outcomes. The facility will offer a variety of procedures, including angiography, angioplasty, and stent placement, which allow for minimally invasive treatments, quicker recovery times, and shorter hospital stays.

“Patients suffering from heart attacks and other cardiac conditions can now receive immediate intervention, increasing the survival rates and improving patient outcomes, minimally invasive procedures,” the Hospiten CEO said.

Looking ahead, Hospiten aims to foster strong partnerships with the public and private sectors, insurance companies, and international organisations to further improve cardiac healthcare delivery in Jamaica.

“We look forward to building stronger partnerships with the public and private sectors, insurance companies and international organizations to further improving cardiac healthcare delivery in Jamaica. The opening of this cath lab is not the end of our journey, rather, it is the beginning of a new chapter. At Hospiten, we will continue to expand our services, integrate new technologies, and invest in the well-being of the communities we serve.”

He also shared his vision of positioning Montego Bay as a leading hub for cardiac care in the Caribbean.

“Our goal is to make Montego Bay a beacon of excellence in cardiac care, not just for Jamaica, but for the Caribbean region.”

Encouraging patients to utilise the facility, Cobiella Beauvais reassured them that world-class cardiac care is now conveniently available.

“To our patients, we say this, you no longer have to travel far for world-class cardiac care. It is right here in your backyard.”

With the opening of this cutting-edge facility, Hospiten has taken a significant step toward transforming cardiac healthcare access in western Jamaica, ensuring that patients receive timely and efficient medical care when they need it most.

Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica Jose Maria Turiso underlined that initiatives like the cath lab in western Jamaica, adds tremendous added value to Montego Bay’s brand and to Jamaica’s brand. 

“I think initiatives like this contribute to disseminate the image that Jamaica is a safe place. Image is very important. Tourists come in here, they will know that the most precious good, which is their lives, their health, is in very able hands,”  he said.

Cabinet ministers Dr Christopher Tufton and Edmund Bartlett welcomed the expansion of service by Hospiten.