MEDICAL imaging company Elite Diagnostic is targeting corporate companies as part of its expansion plans.

The move was announced at its annual general meeting (AGM) on Thursday, just a day after the Ministry of Health’s South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) issued a memo halting all external referrals for radiology services under the Enhancing Healthcare Programme, citing a reduction in funding.

“We are looking to expand our footprint into other areas, not just the public sector, but by engaging corporate companies, returning residents’ associations, the Jamaica Civil Service Association, and the teachers’ association to have us listed as their preferred diagnostic provider,” said Marjorie Miller, general manager and acting CEO at Elite Diagnostic, during the AGM.

The Jamaica Observer reached out to Miller to determine whether the Ministry of  Health’s announcement would affect Elite’s radiology services. However, she explained that her team had not received any formal communication from the ministry to confirm such changes. Regardless, Elite’s goals for 2025 include broadening its client base, particularly by targeting returning residents, with the aim of positioning the brand as a valuable investment for overseas providers. While Elite currently performs many annual medicals for the tourism sector, including restaurants, it is seeking to diversify its clientele. The company plans to engage more with the Civil Service Association, whose membership is large, and aims to have them formally listed as clients, as they currently visit sporadically. Additionally, Elite is focusing on the retired association, particularly in the Drax Hall area in St Ann, which has a significant population of returning residents. This initiative is expected to facilitate securing international insurance coverage.

“We’ve already started, but with the holiday season, we’re revisiting everything for 2025,” she shared.

Elite is also exploring underserved markets and actively seeking new opportunities for growth in these areas. For the 2023-24 financial year, the company reported a slow start due to machine downtime in the first two quarters. However, improvements were recorded in the third and fourth quarters following the efforts of the in-house service manager, supported by overseas service agents and chief operating officer, Dr Neil Fong. To address these challenges, Elite implemented several measures, including expanding its maintenance programme, replacing parts prone to unexpected downtime, and using remote diagnostic services to allow overseas technicians to quickly troubleshoot and recommission machines. Additionally, the company collaborated with engineering specialists overseas to enhance the training of in-house technicians and broaden its vendor and service support network. Despite experiencing low turnover in administrative staff, it has seen significant movement in its technical division, with staff leaving for competitors or migrating abroad.

“We’ve found, and continue to experience, that we invest time in training, and after a year, they’re gone. Like most of our diagnostic counterparts, they go to the US, India, or the Caribbean,” Miller revealed.

Miller explained that graduates from local universities typically have experience only with X-ray technology. Although the training programme has expanded to include CT and MRI modalities, technicians still require time to become proficient in these areas. Despite investing significant time and resources into training, Elite faces the issue of technicians leaving after a year for better opportunities abroad.

To address this challenge, Elite is introducing a new retention strategy for 2025. For the current cohort of interns completing their training by the end of the month, the company plans to introduce a phase-out programme.

“We are bonding them,” said Miller. “While we can’t put a figure on the training we’re providing, as it’s not tied to a formal course or certificate, we are investing our time. Instead of just focusing on X-rays, we are also training them in other modalities, which absorbs additional costs. To ensure we get some return on that investment, we’re introducing a small bond, so we can keep them for a little longer.”

In addition, Elite is planning to offer support for employees with student loans. The company intends to assist with part of the loan payments, under the condition that employees commit to staying for two or three years. Elite is also developing a training and succession programme, with clear career advancement paths and established levels within the organisation, from entry-level to supervisor, lead, and chief. This approach is designed to help employees see growth opportunities within the company and encourage them to remain rather than seek employment elsewhere.

“We want our employees to see that there is room to grow within Elite,” she explained. “We’ve established career levels within the company, which will give them the hope that they can advance here instead of looking for opportunities elsewhere.”