ST JAMES, Jamaica — Minister of Health and Wellness, Christopher Tufton, is commending the establishment of a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterisation laboratory (cath lab) at the private health facility, Hospiten, in Rose Hall, St James.

The US$900,000 facility marks the first of its kind in western Jamaica and is set to enhance healthcare accessibility for both locals and visitors alike.

During an unveiling ceremony on February 21, Tufton lauded the Hospiten team for “taking healthcare to another level,” emphasising the significance of the cath lab, particularly for the parishes of St James, Hanover, and Trelawny, which collectively welcome approximately three million visitors annually.

“This cath lab will not only be a boon for our local population of about 500,000, but it will also enhance Jamaica’s appeal as a destination for medical tourism,” Tufton noted.

The minister said that the presence of such a world-class healthcare facility close to cruise piers and hotels will undoubtedly attract more visitors to the island, adding that “when potential visitors see that Jamaica has top-tier health services available, it changes their perception of our destination”.

“They will be more inclined to choose Jamaica, knowing that excellent healthcare is right at their fingertips,” he added.

The cath lab is designed to cater to patients suffering from heart attacks and other cardiac conditions, significantly reducing the need for emergency trips to Kingston.

“In emergencies, every second counts. This facility will enable timely intervention and could save countless lives,” Tufton said, noting the pressing need for improved cardiovascular care in the region.

The minister said that the establishment of the cath lab at Hospiten is part of a broader initiative by the Jamaican government to enhance the quality of healthcare services across the island.

He reiterated the Government’s commitment to fostering partnerships with private health facilities to ensure that all Jamaicans have access to high-quality medical care.

The minister also reaffirmed his appreciation for Hospiten’s investment in the community.

“This is not just a facility but also a commitment to health, safety, and well-being for our people and our visitors. Together, we are building a healthier Jamaica, one investment at a time,” he said.

For his part, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hospiten, Pedro Luis Cobiella Beauvais, underscored the impact of the new facility on local healthcare.

“This investment not only strengthens local healthcare but also makes Montego Bay and neighbouring communities very attractive for medical tourism, a growing worldwide phenomenon,” he said.

Hospiten is the only private Jamaican hospital with an intensive care unit (ICU) outside the city of Kingston and caters to the medical needs of both local and overseas patients.

It is a Spanish family-owned company involved in the field of medicine since the 1960s. Their specialised services include gynaecology and obstetrics, general medicine, orthopaedics and trauma, cardiology, urology and internal medicine, general surgery, ophthalmology, ENT, neurosurgery, paediatrics/neonatology, dermatology and dentistry.

— JIS