KINGSTON, Jamaica–The South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) has moved to dismiss claims made by Senator Lambert Brown during his contribution to the State of the Nation Debate in the Senate last Friday of spending $27 million to purchase a neuro drill for Bustamante Hospital for Children, three times the actual price.

However, Lascelles Brown, acting regional director of SERHA, has rejected the claim, saying its entirely false and misleading.

“The neuro drill, a highly specialised piece of medical equipment essential for neurosurgical procedures, was purchased for $27,267,708.00 The total expenditure for this medical equipment is $31,467,708.00 which includes various essential accessories and attachments as well as a two-year preventative maintenance service contract ($4.2m),” SERHA said in a statement on Thursday.

It said claims suggesting that $27 million was spent only on a drill with basic accessories are baseless and unsubstantiated.

SERHA said the procurement of this equipment strictly adhered to the Government of Jamaica’s Procurement Guidelines, ensuring transparency and value for money. The neurosurgical drill was sourced from a reputable supplier and meets all international standards for quality and safety, it said.

“It is important to note that the SERHA engaged in a competitive bidding process and three suppliers expressed interest by submitting proposals from a low of approximately $12m to a high of over $50m for the supply and delivery of the neurosurgical drill for BHC based on required specifications and additional accessories, attachments and a two-year preventative maintenance service contract,” SERHA said.

Meanwhile, it said the neurosurgical drill procured for Bustamante Hospital for Children is a state-of-the-art, high-speed surgical tool designed for neurosurgical and spinal procedures. It further noted that it is vital for enhancing the precision and efficiency of surgeries at the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

SERHA said comparing this advanced piece of medical technology to basic models or older models with limited accessories at significantly lower prices is both unfair and misleading.

“The acquisition of this neurosurgical drill is a critical investment in improving paediatric healthcare service to critically ill children at BHC needing neurosurgical and spinal procedures. The equipment will play a pivotal role in saving lives and ensuring that Bustamante Hospital for Children continues to provide world-class medical care locally. We urge members of the public and policymakers to verify facts regarding specialised medical equipment before making statements that can mislead the public and undermine trust in the healthcare system. SERHA remains committed to ensuring the responsible use of public funds while providing the highest quality of care to the Jamaican people,” it concluded.

READ: Opposition senator questions neuro drill expenditure at children’s hospital