The National Health Fund (NHF) has strengthened maternal and child health care at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) with the donation of an ultrasound machine powered by artificial intelligence, to its Fetal Diagnosis & Therapy Unit. The machine, valued at nearly US$100,000 was officially unveiled during a ceremony on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at the Hugh Wynter Fertility Management Unit Lecture Theatre.
The new ultrasound machine enhances efficiency, delivers superior imaging and ensures greater diagnostic accuracy. This innovation empowers the hospital to provide an elevated standard of care for pregnant women, supporting earlier detection of conditions and life-saving interventions.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr the Hon. Christopher Tufton said the machine positions the UHWI as a leader in healthcare.
He said the acquisition of the equipment places the institution in the space it belongs, which is to provide leadership, “whether it is to others who are learning, those who need the care, or ultimately to enhance the quality of healthcare delivery within our society.”
Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr the Hon. Christopher Tufton, MP delivered the keynote address at the ceremony.
NHF’s CEO, Everton Anderson, highlighted the organisation’s role, noting, “Today’s event is a manifestation of how we improve access through the Institutional Benefits Programme. Each time we give a grant for the purchase of equipment, infrastructural development, or research, we are improving access thereby improving patient outcomes through efficient, timely intervention. This means more people can be served.”
The new machine replaced the older model the UHWI had been utilising for thirteen years.
Chief Executive Officer – NHF, Everton Anderson, delivering remarks at the Ultrasound Machine Handover Ceremony held at the UHWI on December 10, 2024
Dr Nadine Johnson, Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist at the UHWI closed the ceremony by thanking the NHF and reaffirming that the machine is not merely a piece of equipment, but a representation of a significant step forward in medical care for pregnant mothers.
The NHF’s Institutional Benefits Programme is designed to improve healthcare access and affordability by providing grants for vital health sector needs. These grants address critical areas such as upgrading physical infrastructure, enhancing service delivery and procuring essential medical equipment, as exemplified by this latest donation.
In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, $1.1B were approved for 30 Institutional Benefits Projects. Of this amount, JMD $598M went to the Ministry of Health & Wellness, $3M the South East Regional Health Authority, $15.41M to the Western Regional Health Authority, $172.6M to the Southern Region Health Authority and $176.1M to the North East Regional Health Authority.
Non-Government Organisations (NGO) and Other Government Agencies received $87.8M.
Dr the Hon. Christopher Tufton, MP, minister of health & wellness shared a photo with NHF and UHWI staff after unveiling the new AI-powered Ultrasound Machine
An ultrasound demo displayed after the Ultrasound Machine Handover Ceremony held at the UHWI’s Fertility Management Unit.
