The Santa Cruz Centre of Excellence in St. Elizabeth recently received several items from a small Diaspora group which noted that the donation represents its support of the Health Ministry’s focus on enhancing primary health care.

Co-chair, Jamaican Diaspora Health Sector Northeast USA, Mrs. Claudette Powell said the Diaspora group recognizes and supports the Ministry’s focus on primary health care, non-communicable diseases and Vision 2030.

The items including a pulse oximeter, glucometer, stethoscope, acetaminophen tablets and pharmaceuticals were handed over by four members of the Jamaica Diaspora Health Sector group in June following the 6th Biennial Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay.

Mrs. Powell noted that in addition to supporting the Ministry’s focus on non-communicable diseases, primary health care and Vision 2030, the Diaspora Health Sector group is also focusing on supporting the Ministry in areas of accessibility to services, equipment and supplies, professional development including speciality training abroad, pharmaceuticals and infrastructural development. Mrs. Powell who is also an Advisory board member to the Minister of Health added that she is very pleased with the collaboration and partnership with the Ministry of Health.

Parish Manager for the St. Elizabeth Health Services, Sean Brissett says the donation which also includes the commitment of an ultra sound machine at a later date represents strong collaborative arrangements between the St. Elizabeth Health Services and the Diaspora group.

“It is part of our continued quest to maintain good quality health care. The items provided were well received and will no doubt help with the attainment of our objectives” Mr. Brissett continued.