KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay has received a 40-foot container of medical supplies courtesy of the organisation, American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ).

The container, which arrived on July 29, contains an ultra sound machine, vital sign monitors, suction machines, pulse oximeter, defibrillators and nebulisers. Also included are electric beds, cribs and infant diapers, gurneys, and wheelchairs.

The medical supplies that are valued at some J$9 million will be presented to the paediatric ward at the hospital.

Ambassador Sue M Cobb, president of the AFJ says, “We are thrilled to work in partnership with Cornwall Regional Hospital to ensure that essential health services are meeting the needs of communities in Western Jamaica”.

Over one million people rely on the Cornwall Regional Hospital for medical care. The paediatric ward admits approximately 2,000 children — from newborns to 12 year olds — annually.

The largest number of admissions of the paediatric ward is due to respiratory illnesses and infectious diseases.

Premature babies comprise the majority of respiratory cases.