KINGSTON, Jamaica — The South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) is calling for an end to the “politicisation” of the procurement of a $31 million neurosurgical drill for the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

The call followed days of back and forth between Opposition Spokesperson on Health, Dr Alfred Dawes, a local medical company and Jamaica Labour Party representatives, including Member of Parliament Donovan Williams and Government Senator Marlon Morgan, regarding the drill which Dawes alleges may have been purchased above market price.

READ: Dawes alleges ‘web of corruption’ over $31m neuro drill

Dawes has called for an investigation into the purchase and has since been met with lawsuit threats over allegations he made during a Tuesday press conference on the matter.

READ: Dawes faces Thursday ‘deadline’ to apologise amid Williams’ lawsuit threat
In a statement on Thursday, SERHA said it is inviting any review by independent oversight bodies, including the Auditor General or the Integrity Commission.

“SERHA wishes to firmly reaffirm the transparency and integrity of the procurement process that led to the acquisition of a new neurosurgical drill for the Bustamante Hospital for Children,” the authority said.

“SERHA operates under the strict guidelines of the Government of Jamaica’s Public Procurement Act. In this matter, a national competitive bidding process was followed, with no breaches of procurement rules. All actions taken by the authority were aligned with our legal, technical and operational responsibilities,” it maintained.

“We therefore urge all parties to refrain from politicising this matter and invite any review by independent oversight bodies, including the Auditor General or the Integrity Commission, should further clarification be required,” the authority added.

SERHA said it remains focused on “supporting our medical teams with the tools they need to provide safe, quality care to the people we serve”.