KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) is demanding that the Government clarify the procurement procedure that reportedly resulted in the purchase of a single surgical drill for over $31 million.

According to the PNP, the orthopaedic drill was purchased by the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) for the Bustamante Hospital for Children at a cost of $31,467,708, including two years of maintenance.

But PNP Spokesman on Health Dr Alfred Dawes claimed that industry sources have indicated that the same drill, with identical specifications, can be sourced on the open market for approximately $5 million.

He further argued that this amount exceeds the $24 million spent to refurbish four operating theatres at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), scheduled to be completed this week.

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“How can the government justify paying more for one piece of surgical equipment than it costs to refurbish four operating theatres in the island’s largest hospital?” he asked. “Something is rotten in the state of Jamaica.”

He continued, “There is no reasonable explanation for this kind of price disparity — especially in a public health system that is under immense strain and with operating theatres across the island sitting idle. And let us be clear — no service or maintenance package can justify this astronomical price tag.”

The PNP is now asking the health ministry and SERHA to provide a full explanation of the procurement process and whether any additional drills have been procured since and at what price.

Dr Dawes contended that at a time when operating theatres remain out of service at several major hospitals — including the sole theatre at Annotto Bay Hospital and two of four at St Ann’s Bay Hospital — the public deserves transparency and accountability.

“The taxpayers of Jamaica have not received value for their money. The country deserves answers, and the Ministry of Health must provide them,” Dr Dawes said.