The St Jago Health Centre in Spanish Town has received a donation of medical equipment valued at J$2.3 million from the VM Foundation.

The items, which were handed over last Wednesday (February 12), include foetal dopplers, pulse oximeters, blood pressure machines and a diagnostic set.

The donation marks the final set of medical equipment being handed over to the St. Catherine-based facility by the foundation under the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Adopt-A-Clinic Programme.

St. Jago Health Centre has benefited from J$7.5 million in support since it was adopted by the VM Foundation in 2018.

Portfolio minister Dr Christopher Tufton, in his remarks at the presentation ceremony, commended the VM Foundation for the assistance over the years, noting that the J$7.5 million has gone a “far way in filling a lot of the gaps”.

He highlighted the importance of the Adopt-A-Clinic Programme in improving primary healthcare and strengthening the relationship between the community members and their health centres. 

“That is why those before us named it community health centre because what it symbolises is that it actually becomes the point of contact by all in the community. Health is universal, from the womb to the tomb,” the minister said.

Noting the J$600million expansion programme to be undertaken at the St. Jago Health Centre, Dr. Tufton said the investment will provide more space, services and supporting infrastructure.

VM Foundation CEO Samantha Charles said the partnership has been “fruitful and transformational, impacting many lives, as St Jago is the main referral centre for all clinics in St. Catherine”.

“Since the start of our partnership, we have been committed to ensuring that our work with the centre and its users address their needs in holistic ways. This is why, in addition to funding essential medical supplies and infrastructure needs, we went a step further, offering a series of parenting support sessions and financial literacy training for users of the facility, led by our in-house VM experts,” she noted.

Registered midwife at St. Jago Health Centre, Kristine Beckett-Spratt, expressed gratitude to the VM Foundation for its “unwavering support and generosity” to the facility over the past six years, noting that the assistance played a crucial role in improving healthcare services.

“We have been able to serve our community better, offering quality care to those who need it the most. It is a true investment in the well-being of our patients and the future of healthcare in our community,” she said.

The Adopt-A-Clinic Programme is a strategic initiative that seeks to proactively leverage the philanthropic support of the private sector and the diaspora to improve the primary healthcare system.

The programme, launched six years ago with VM Foundation as its first partner, has secured J$207 million in commitments for 55 clinic adoptions.