OCHO RIOS, St Ann — The HEART Institute of the Caribbean (HIC) has opened a mini diagnosis clinic -- the Mini Dx -- in Ocho Rios, to better serve persons seeking quality care in cardiology and endocrinology on the north coast.

The HIC has established itself across the Caribbean as a comprehensive cardiac centre, offering high-quality cardiac care to patients at very affordable prices.

President of the HIC, Dr Dainia Baugh said the facility, which oficially opened on Monday, fulfils part of the company's mission which is to improve access and the quality of cardiovascular care to the people of Jamaica.

"We realised that over the last five years, the best in care often mean people driving long distances to get to the Heart Institute in Kingston, and so we want to extend our reach to all the communities of the island," Dr Baugh explained.

"We looked at demography, we looked at need, we looked at draw area and so we think that St Ann and particularly Ocho Rios is a really good location to extend out reach."

Dr Baugh explained that heart disease is the number one cause of death in the island and that the HIC wants to use its facilities to not only provide treatment, but to educate the populace about the importance of early diagnosis and prevention.

"We really think that it's important that people are aware of that and we think that by the investment that we have made, we are putting our money where our mouth is, by saying we think it's important, we are going to be in your community so you have access to care and that you know that this is really an important thing for you," she said.

Meanwhile, vice-president in charge of business development at the HIC, Gabrielle Banbury said the outpost facility will provide a range of services, including echocardiograms, ECGs, stress testing and ambulatory blood pressure checks.

She said a cardiologist will also be available to patients who need consultation at least three times weekly and that service will be increased once the needs arise. Banbury said other medical doctors, including a paediatric cardiologist, would also be added to provide basic medical care.

Monday's opening ceremony was attended by medical practitioners and other members of the business community.

Member of Parliament for North East St Ann Shahine Robinson said she was pleased that the HIC had extended its services to the parish. She said for many years people have had to travel to Kingston or Montego Bay for cardiac care and explained that sometimes patients in dire need of care could find the money for transportation.

She said the outpost clinic will help to ease a lot of pressure along the coast and is hoping that more people will begin to seek cardiac care now that a facility has been opened in the parish.

-- Alesia Edwards