KINGSTON, Jamaica— The National Health Fund (NHF) donated an ultrasound machine powered by artificial intelligence to the Fetal Diagnosis & Therapy Unit at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).

The machine valued at nearly US$100,000 (J$15.4 million) was officially unveiled during a ceremony on Tuesday at the Hugh Wynter Fertility Management Unit Lecture Theatre.

According to a press release on Friday, the new ultrasound machine enhances efficiency, delivers superior imaging and ensures greater diagnostic accuracy. This innovation empowers the hospital to provide an elevated standard of care for pregnant women, supporting earlier detection of conditions and life-saving interventions.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton said the machine positions the UHWI as a leader in healthcare.

He said the acquisition of the equipment places the institution in the space it belongs, which is to provide leadership, “whether it is to others who are learning, those who need the care, or ultimately to enhance the quality of healthcare delivery within our society.”

NHF’s chief executive officer (CEO), Everton Anderson, highlighted the organisation’s role, noting, “Today’s event is a manifestation of how we improve access through the Institutional Benefits Programme. Each time we give a grant for the purchase of equipment, infrastructural development, or research, we are improving access thereby improving patient outcomes through efficient, timely intervention. This means more people can be served.”

The new machine replaced the older model the UHWI had been utilising for 13 years.

Dr Nadine Johnson, maternal fetal medicine specialist at the UHWI, closed the ceremony by thanking the NHF and reaffirming that the machine is not merely a piece of equipment, but a representation of a significant step forward in medical care for pregnant mothers.

The NHF added that its Institutional Benefits Programme is designed to improve healthcare access and affordability by providing grants for vital health sector needs. These grants address critical areas such as upgrading physical infrastructure, enhancing service delivery and procuring essential medical equipment, as exemplified by this latest donation.

In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, NHF said $1.1 billion was approved for 30 Institutional Benefits projects.

It outlined that of this amount, $598 million went to the Ministry of Health & Wellness, $3 million to the South East Regional Health Authority, $15.41 million to the Western Regional Health Authority, $172.6 million to the Southern Region Health Authority and $176.1 million to the North East Regional Health Authority.

Non-Government Organisations (NGO) and other government agencies received $87.8 million, the NHF added.