Jamaica | Opposition wants Health Ministry to account for Privately donated ventilators

KINGSTON, Jamaica. June 15, 2024: The Opposition Spokesman on Health and Wellness, Dr. Alfred Dawes,  says he  notes with concern, the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ attempt to divert attention from the critical issue of the location and functionality of  several donated ventilators. 

In a statement, Dr. Dawes said “instead of providing straightforward answers, the Ministry's response appears to mislead the public into thinking the Opposition claims the ventilators were stolen, creating a straw man argument.”

“This disingenuous rebuttal serves no purpose other than misdirection,” said Dr. Dawes. “The evidence is clear to users of the public health system that there has not been an increase of 105 ventilators as reported by the government during press conferences about pandemic readiness.

A quick Google search will show the numbers and the names of the donors as recorded by the media,”

The country urgently needs clear answers to the following questions:

1. Where are the ventilators?
2. How many are in working condition?
3. How many are still in storage?
4. How many are missing parts or disposables required for commissioning?
5. Was there ever a maintenance plan in place when the ventilators were commissioned to ensure they remained operational?
6. What is Jamaica’s actual ICU capacity compared to the USA’s 29 ICU beds per 100,000 population?
7. What is the plan to upgrade ICU capacity to international standards?

“We in the medical field know that a ventilator does not equal an ICU space. However, temporarily ventilating a critically ill patient with available staff and resources can often be the only option standing between life and death. Without available ventilators, we will continue to needlessly and tragically lose patients," said Dr. Dawes.

“More money is not the magic bullet that the ailing health sector needs. What is needed is a comprehensive reform of the entire system, with resources allocated and managed effectively, supported by built-in accountability systems,” Dr. Dawes emphasised.

 “Until then, we will be satisfied with the answer to one question: where exactly are the ventilators?”

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