Red Cross delivers $42M lifeline to health authority

Medical equipment and supplies valued at more than $42 million have been donated to the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) to strengthen healthcare delivery and support recovery efforts following the impact of Hurricane Melissa.

The donation was formally handed over by the Jamaica Red Cross in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross last Wednesday at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall in Montego Bay, St James.

The items include emergency airway management kits, suction catheters, triage tools and emergency room and triage kit components, among other things.

Acting regional director of the WRHA, Deveta McLaren said that the donation is timely, well-needed, and will strengthen the health region's ability to provide essential healthcare services. She noted that the items will be strategically distributed among hospitals and health centres across the region where the need is greatest.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Krystal Lee, said the support comes at a critical time as the Government continues efforts to rebuild and enhance healthcare services in the affected areas.

The minister expressed appreciation to the Jamaica Red Cross and its international partners for the continuous and unwavering support to the public health system and the nation's overall humanitarian response, through a network of over 350 volunteers, members and staff island-wide.