THE operational capacity of the Percy Junor Hospital in Spaldings, Manchester, has been boosted by the provision of additional medical equipment, valued at just over $2.3 million (CDN$25,868), by the Canadian High Commission in Jamaica.

The equipment, provided through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, include an examination bed, a diagnostics set, a vital signs machine, infant and adult scales, two ECG machines, seven blood pressure machines, and two operating theatre stretchers.

Canadian High Commis-sioner to Jamaica Robert Ready was on hand yesterday to formally present the equipment to the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer Earl McLaughlin at the institution, which serves some 250,000 residents of Spaldings and its environs.

Ready highlighted the strong bilateral relations Jamaica and Canada share, which has facilitated provision of the equipment. He noted that the health sectors in both countries experience varying degrees of challenges.

“… We depend so much on volunteers, on innovation in medical practice and service provision, and on partnership. That is what we have in common, and it’s in that spirit that I am happy to be here to hand over the equipment,” he said.

Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson, in welcoming the donation, underscored the importance of collaborations and partnerships in providing the necessary tools and services for the sector.

“An adequately equipped health service is essential to achieving positive health outcomes. Support from governments and organisations, such as the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, will assist us to meet the goals of developing a first-class health sector and provide access to quality services to the people of Jamaica and beyond,” Dr Ferguson said in a message read by his special advisor Hurley Taylor.

McLaughlin said the donation is the result of efforts to forge a partnership aimed at assisting to enhance the institution’s capacity and ability to deliver quality health care to its clients.