Diaspora group, JAHJAH Foundation, donates US$15,000 worth of machines to hospitals in Jamaica

The machines were handed over during an official presentation ceremony, held at the Knutsford Court Hotel Tuesday.

A BIPAP machine is a non-invasive form of therapy for patients suffering from sleep apnea, pneumonia, asthma, and or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.

The hospitals are Black River, Spanish Town, Cornwall Regional, Princess Margaret, National Chest, St. Ann’s Bay, Savannah La Mar, May Pen, Mandeville, Falmouth, Percy Junior and the Kingston Public Hospital.

Dr. Terry Baker, senior medical officer, National Chest Hospital expressed profound gratitude to the JAHJAH Foundation for recognizing the need to improve public health care through the donations of the BIPAP machines that will benefit the patients with respiratory illnesses and heart conditions. 

Dr. Hugh Wong, head of the accident and emergency department at KPH said that the machines will help to reduce the number of patients that requires intensive care admissions at the island’s premier health facility.

“The A&E department treats 300 patients with asthma on a monthly basis,” he said.

Dr. Trevor Dixon, CEO and Founder, JAHJAH Foundation said that the foundation has continuously worked with the leadership of the 12 major institutions, primarily through the public-private partnership with KPH and Dr. Wong. 

He further explained that the need for donating the equipment would not have been possible without the kind support of the Montefiorre Medical Team and other members from the Diaspora.                                                 

The JAHJAH Foundation is a non-profit organization that started in 2007 which seeks to engage the Jamaican Diaspora and friends to support the upliftment of the less fortunate in Jamaica, in the areas of health, social services and education.