MONTEGO BAY, St James — Two decades ago, a visionary young doctor stepped into the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) with a bold mission: To reshape paediatric care across western Jamaica.

Fast-forward to today, Dr Garfield Badal serves as the WRHA’s chief paediatric surgeon.

His specialised training has not only guided operating rooms but also shaped the future of paediatric surgical care across the parishes of St James, Hanover, Westmoreland, and Trelawny.

The physician, who was initially drawn to general surgery, completed fellowship training in paediatric surgery, both locally and overseas. He then set his sights on building a specialty service that, at the time, was scarcely developed across Jamaica’s western region.

Under Dr Badal’s leadership the paediatric surgical service has evolved into a vital, multi-layered unit, managing cases from the antenatal stage, through adolescence and, in select circumstances, into adulthood.

“The relationship has been amazing and an overwhelmingly positive experience. We’ve had our challenges over the period but I think if one were to document the path and the growth of the department, there are several positives that we can today celebrate as the WRHA and paediatric surgical services in general,” he stated.

One of the most significant milestones has been the establishment of a dedicated day-case unit, which now handles 40 to 50 minor paediatric surgeries each month. This development has transformed access to care by reducing waiting times and improving outcomes for countless children across the region.

The WRHA has also introduced specialised paediatric urology services to address a range of conditions including kidney dysfunction, bladder disorders, and congenital penile abnormalities.

Dr Badal has collaborated closely with medical colleagues and oncologists to develop a multidisciplinary approach to treating childhood cancers, particularly tumours affecting the kidneys and other vital organs.

Among the thousands of cases he has managed, one stands out with particular clarity: His first newborn surgery at Cornwall Regional Hospital.

“It was a premature baby who was only about 0.8 kilogramme. I remember vividly that the mother had a very bad obstetric history — which meant she lost several babies before — so this was a precious baby. The child developed a complication where her intestine ruptured. As a newborn, we had to take [her to] the theatre.

“This was novel for the region… so there was some hesitancy with some people. But my indices at the time said we [could] do it, and we went ahead and successfully completed that surgery. That baby survived, and I think that has left an indelible mark in terms of how I view the work here,” he added.

Training the next generation of surgeons has been a cornerstone of Dr Badal’s mission. He proudly noted that one surgeon has already completed training under his guidance, with three more — each a young woman from western Jamaica — currently in advanced stages of specialisation.

As the WRHA prepares for the long-awaited Western Children and Adolescent Hospital, Dr Badal remains optimistic about what lies ahead.

The vision for the facility was born nearly 15 years ago in a modest meeting involving himself, fellow paediatric specialists, and senior leadership.

They agreed then on the urgent need for a dedicated facility to serve children and adolescents, not only in western Jamaica but potentially the wider Caribbean.

With construction now under way and Government support secured, that vision is fast becoming reality.

Dr Badal anticipates that the new facility will significantly expand access to super-specialised care including adolescent medicine, endocrinology, and paediatric cardiology — fields that remain scarce across the island.

“We’re absolutely excited by the building going up but in terms of where we see the service, it is definitely going to be of added… immense value to the care of children of western Jamaica in a space that’s dedicated to their care,” he underscored.

Despite the demands and complexities of his field, Dr Badal remains grounded.

Born and raised in Portland, he attended Titchfield High School before pursuing medicine at The University of the West Indies.

Today, he is a proud father of one daughter, a university student with interests in the sciences.

For him, recognition such as that offered during Healthcare Workers’ Month in July is a welcome gesture but never the goal. He believes the greater value lies in the example it sets for younger professionals.

Nonetheless, Dr Badal believes that recognition can serve as a powerful catalyst, and has the potential to inspire others to aim higher, deepen their commitment, and contribute meaningfully within the WRHA.

“I want to say on behalf of the doctors that the recognition is welcome. Although [Healthcare Workers’ Month] is a national celebration, the WRHA still stands in full support of what we do as doctors. Overall, the region is responsive, and I think the vision of the department is going in the right direction,” he added.