THE international surgical outreach organisation Doctors On Call, (DOC) has donated an Olympus Video Endoscope to Annotto Bay Hospital. The piece of equipment valued at US $215,000, is said to be the most sophisticated diagnostic tool available for identifying gastro-intestinal diseases, and is the first to be available in the north east region of Jamaica.

“The donation is all about keeping Annotto Bay Hospital on the leading edge of medical technology,” said Dr Brian Donaldson, general and vascular surgeon at Harlem Hospital Center, an affiliate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, and DOC’s medical spokesperson. “By providing this valuable resource, we are saying that the people of Annotto Bay deserve nothing less than the most effective and efficient technology to identify diseases such as cancer.”

Originally built in 1860 as a public infirmary, the hospital expanded rapidly to provide a full spectrum of services. The recently completed out patient department serves the many communities of North-East St Mary. Annotto Bay Hospital today handles approximately 14,661 outpatient visits annually, including emergency services.

Minister of Health John Junor described the donation as fundamental in meeting the needs of Annotto Bay’s patient community.

“This is an excellent example of the kind of support that all our communities need. Partnerships such as this one, will allow our hospitals to continue to provide optimal care,” he said.

Dr Ray Fraser, senior medical officer of Annotto Bay Hospital welcomed the new piece of equipment and said it would help the hospital in its continuous search for new ways to improve the delivery of service. He said improved diagnosis and early treatment of gastro-intestinal diseases would lower costs save lives.

Founded in 2000, Doctors On Call focuses exclusively on increasing access to general and reconstructive surgery in the Caribbean.