5 Health Centres benefit from diagnostic imaging equipment valued at approximately $ 69.5 million

Article originally published on the project's website in July 2025. The European Union through LACIF contributes to the Health Services Network Strengtheningproject through an investment grant.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness, through the Health Systems Strengthening Programme (HSSP), officially commissioned 20 pieces of diagnostic imaging equipment for use in five public health centres on Thursday (July 24, 2025).

The equipment, which includes Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) machines used for dental and facial x-rays, and handheld ultrasound devices, are valued at approximately JM$ 69.5 million. They were handed over to representatives from the respective Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) in a short ceremony at the St Ann’s Bay Health Centre.

During the ceremony, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr the Honourable Christopher Tufton, noted the strategic importance of the investment:

“This handover is a key component of a broader and forward-looking health infrastructure project; one that represents a holistic and strategic investment in the future of healthcare across the country.”

In addition to providing the equipment, the HSSP also funded approximately JM$11 million in preparatory works to retrofit and prepare the facilities to house the CBCT units. This work included structural improvements, electrical work, and shielding installation to meet international safety standards.

St Ann’s Bay Health Centre in St Ann, Greater Portmore Health Centre in St Catherine, and May Pen West Health Centre in Clarendon, each received a CBCT machine, two viewing stations, a mini PACS server, and a handheld ultrasound device.

Additionally, St Jago Park Health Centre in St Catherine received two viewing stations, a mini PACS server and a handheld ultrasound, while Mocho Health Centre in Clarendon received a handheld ultrasound device.

The CBCT machines and associated equipment have already been installed in the designated health facilities, and the staff members trained in the operations and care of the machines.

The equipment purchase was funded using a portion of the JM $1.8 billion investment from the European Union into the HSSP. They were provided and installed by CEDI Europe, a global provider of healthcare infrastructure solutions, in collaboration with their local partner Medical Link Jamaica.

All receiving RHAs—North East (NERHA), South East (SERHA), and Southern (SRHA)—were represented at the event by senior technical officers who formally received the handheld ultrasound devices on behalf of their teams.

In his welcome, Dr Yadrian Fernández Ayala, Consultant Dental Surgeon in the St Ann Health Department, spoke of the growing need for modern diagnostic tools and expressed appreciation for the EU’s support through the HSSP.

Her Excellency Dr Erja Askola, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Jamaica, also attended the event, reaffirming the EU’s continued partnership in strengthening Jamaica’s healthcare system.

The ceremony concluded with a tour of the upgraded dental department at the St Ann’s Bay Health Centre, where the new equipment will immediately be integrated into service delivery.