There has been much hue and cry about the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) purchase of a neurosurgical drill for the Bustamante Hospital for Children at a cost of $31 million.

Opposition Spokesperson on Health Dr Alfred Dawes bemoaned that it was far too expensive and that certain procurement procedures were breached in acquiring it.

Fingers were also pointed at the Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton. Dr Dawes has also called for the resignation of the Chairman of SERHA.

Jamaican hospitals deserve the best equipment needed to make patients better. Of course, cost matters but most importantly, hospitals require the right equipment. For too long, Jamaican hospitals have had an issue with the availability of first-class equipment for surgeries.

On the issue of the neurosurgical drill for the Bustemante Hospital for Children, Dr Dawes said: “I met with SERHA’s leadership and their answers were alarming. Doctors were forced to choose between a $30 million drill or a $50 million drill, neither a fair price. The procurement process failed them. No competitive bids and transparency, no proof this wasn’t Jamaica’s best option. This is not just waste, it is either gross incompetence or highly technical corruption.”

This is a serious charge levelled at both SERHA and the Ministry of Health.

SERHA felt compelled to set the record straight on the acquisition of the contentious neurosurgical drill.

The board chairman of the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), along with other senior officials, on Wednesday, April 23, met with Dr Dawes.

The meeting focused on matters concerning questions that had been raised regarding the acquisition of a neurosurgical drill for the Bustamante Hospital for Children (BHC), which were perceived by some as allegations of corruption.

Wentworth Charles, board chairman, SERHA, invited Dr Dawes to the meeting in his professional capacity as a medical doctor. During the discussion, Mr Charles presented all relevant documents for the acquisition of the neurosurgical drill at the BHC to Dr Dawes, including:

• GOJEP advertisement: The procurement of the equipment strictly adhered to the Government of Jamaica Procurement Guidelines, ensuring transparency and value for money. The neurosurgical drill was sourced from a reputable supplier and met 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 and advanced attachments for the said drill including a two-year preventative maintenance service contract.
• Summary of the Evaluation process: The summary of the evaluation and the bid evaluation report for the neurosurgical drill indicated that best practices were followed, ensuring the effective use of public resources. This evaluation and approval were conducted by leading neurosurgeons attached to the SERHA who ensured that the selected supplier met all the required specifications.
• Signed evaluation report: The document presented reflects the integrity of the evaluators involved in the process, and no breach was found. Charles said that the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) further approved the purchase and the cost of acquisition of the neurosurgical drill.

Charles noted that it was reported in the Jamaica Gleaner that the neurosurgical drill was for $5M in China by Dr Dawes.

The chairman explained to Dr Dawes that the details of the invoice received from the recommended supplier provided a comprehensive breakdown of the value of the neurosurgical drill at a cost of $31,467,708.00. This amount included the cost of the equipment, the descriptions of over 100 pieces of attachments, as well as a two-year preventative maintenance service contract. Charles then asked Dr Dawes if he had any further questions regarding the acquisition of the neurosurgical drill. Dr Dawes responded that he had no further questions, as “he clearly understood what had taken place”.

Charles explained further that the management of SERHA has not purchased any similar drill in the last 3 years. In fact, he noted that the life-saving neurosurgical drill that was purchased for BHC is the first of its kind in Jamaica and the Caribbean. He emphasised that the procurement process was fair and that all required procedures were followed by the parties involved. Charles also stated that the care “of our children” remains a top priority and that the best equipment must be provided to our dedicated healthcare professionals, utilising modern technology to improve patient outcomes.

The state-of-the-art neurosurgical drill is designed to support critical brain and spinal surgeries in paediatric patients, significantly enhancing the hospital’s neurosurgical capabilities. The drill will benefit multiple specialities at BHC, including Neurosurgery, Faciomaxillary Surgery, and the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) departments.

Additionally, Charles stated that the medical team will no longer have to wait on overseas missions before critical care can be provided to our children, especially those with scoliosis.

The meeting reflects SERHA’s continued commitment to stakeholder engagement, transparency, and ensuring the highest standards of care for Jamaica’s children. The acquisition of this vital piece of equipment marks another step forward in strengthening specialised paediatric care at the nation’s only dedicated children’s hospital, and a historic milestone has been achieved in the healthcare system.

Finally, the chairman of SERHA rejected Dr Dawes assertion that there was any improper process in the acquisition of the neurosurgical drill at BHC and at the end of the meeting, the Chairman refused to shake his hand, as he did not see his conduct as distinguished, having failed to apologise to SERHA for the misstatement he made in the public domain.