MONTEGO BAY, St James — The privately run Hospiten hospital has renewed its commitment to the fight against breast cancer through its partnership with the Janet Richards Foundation which last Wednesday launched its annual mammogram screening programme.

The partnership, now in its sixth year, has so far provided screening for almost 700 women, and another 100 are expected to benefit over a five-day period this year. Hospiten Country Manager Samuel Afonso Diaz hailed the initiative as evidence of the hospital’s community focus.

“It is part of our commitment to the community and to Jamaica. We don’t just do our jobs — we go above and beyond to help as much as we can,” he said.

Hospiten’s General Manager Louis Romero Sanchez also stressed the institution’s commitment to the partnership.

“We are very happy and very proud to be part of this project. We are making history. It has already been six years, and we look forward to many more,” said Sanchez.

The driving force behind the foundation, Janet Richards, described the project as a personal mission.

“This is one of my happiest mornings, to start our mammogram screening period,” Richads said Wednesday.

“I’m really passionate about this programme because it all started with a friend of mine who died from breast cancer. She used to finance everything, from taxi fare to treatment, but after she passed, I had to dig deep to continue the programme. With the help of Hospiten, it is being done,” Richards added.

She praised the hospital for its continued support — which comes in the form of everything from discounted rates to logistical help — and presented the hospital with a certificate of appreciation.

Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon also commended the partnership, stressing the importance of early detection.

“Breast cancer is among the leading causes of death among our women, and treatment is often difficult because it is expensive. Therefore, early detection is necessary,” he said.

“I am happy that the Janet Richards Foundation has partnered with Hospiten to advance the welfare of women and, by extension, the welfare of men,” Vernon added.

During the event Richards also lauded other partners, including the Sandals Foundation, Afresh Marketplace, Aim Commercial, Beauty Queen, Victoria Mutual Society, United Way of Jamaica, Rose Hall Development, Andrea Rhule Hudson, and United States-based Arthur Phidd.

Samuel Afonso Díaz, country manager of Hospiten.