Online medical platform MDLink Limited entered a new phase last Thursday (July 6), having rebranded after the acquisition of Fleet Diagnostic Laboratory.

The newly rebranded MDLink Diagnostic Laboratory was unveiled to much fanfare at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, as the Dr Ché Bowen-led team celebrated the momentous move towards building the capacity of Jamaica’s healthcare sector.

The first presentation came from Nordia Asbourne, who spoke on behalf of Sandra Daley Virgo, the Managing Director for MDLink Diagnostic Laboratory and a JANAAC assessor.. She covered the history and operations of Fleet Diagnostic Laboratory and how MDLink became a part of their story. Representing Fleet Diagnostic in this merger, the belief in a joint vision towards development and innovation was clear as the two now merge and operate as one.

Following this introduction was an engaging presentation by president of the Medical Association of Jamaica (MAJ), Dr Brian James. He began his talk by discussing the importance of lab testing in healthcare, quoting that approximately up to 70 per cent of all medical decisions are made by utilising lab results. He presented the audience with various medical cases that he has encountered in his lengthy career and how, without lab diagnostics, the doctors would not be able to have the direction and information leading them to diagnosis, treatment and eventually, in best-case scenarios, patient recovery.

On behalf of the MAJ, Dr James congratulated MDLink on their “quest to prove instant access to medical care” noting that the true beneficiaries of these innovations will be the people of Jamaica.

Dr James ended his speech with a charge to MDLink. He descriptively noted the ways in which global warming impacts health including temperature rise on cardiovascular mortality, extreme weather conditions causing displacement and mental illness and even increases in vectorial spaces causing the rise of mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue. Firstly, he stressed the importance of understanding the carbon footprint of laboratory spaces. He then highlighted how understanding the importance of these spaces being climate conscious and implementing tools can lead to mitigating these risks.

Dr James listed ways MDLink can reduce its laboratory carbon footprint, including conserving water, limiting waste and reducing energy consumption. Quoting United States former President Barack Obama, Dr James underscored that we are the last generation with the opportunity to curb the impact of climate change before it is too late. Companies like MDLink stand as an authority of innovation and modernity and are prime spaces to set an example for sustainability and climate consciousness for other organisations to follow. He congratulated the team for investing in solar energy for some of the labs which will be implemented in the next 6 months. A positive step towards a green-operated laboratory space.

CEO, Founder and Chief Medical Officer of MDLink Ltd, and now Director & CEO of MDLink Diagnostic Laboratory, Dr Che Bowen  treated the audience to a personal, charismatic tale of his experience as a Doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic and head of MDLink through its inception and recent, exponential growth. He described his vision during the COVID-19 pandemic to ease the load of the MOHW and offer additional spaces for testing for the virus. Initially testing in his car, he eventually gained the support of the Ministry and the Inter-American Development Bank, earning MDLink the resources to set up testing facilities across the island, while also setting up the Drive-Thru testing site in Kingston, which garnered large support from the population during the heights of the pandemic.

With a newfound love for diagnostic testing and a vision for growing MDLink’s diagnostic capacity after the pandemic, Dr Bowen described it as a “stroke of luck” that the landlord of MDLink’s drive thru site pitched the acquisition of his JANAAC-accredited laboratory, Fleet Diagnostic. An opportunity he could not miss out on, Dr Bowen took up the offer and the rest was history. Today, we welcome MDLink Diagnostic Laboratory Ltd.

Dr Bowen offered a special thanks to Mr Stephen Chang, former Director of Fleet Diagnostic and Mrs Virgo Daley, managing director, who have guided him and his employees through this acquisition. He thanked his MDLink team and Fleet Diagnostic Team for their enthusiasm, support and willingness, which has been crucial for the success of this new endeavour. Finally, he thanked Dr Xinyu Lee, the current Director of MDLink Diagnostic Lab, for helping hold everything together.

Dr Xinyu Lee went on to offer the closing remarks which thanked all staff, partners and supporters. Ending on an encouraging note, everyone was clear about the importance of this acquisition and how it may benefit them as a patient or practitioner. A morning of celebration, collaboration and charges for the future, Dr Bowen and Lee sent everyone on their way waiting to see what will be next for MDLink and MDLink Diagnostic Laboratory. With an enthusiastic team and a commitment to advancement, MDLink’s slogan remains at the core of this rebranding: Doctor trusted, patient focused.