Food For The Poor gives more equipment to health ministry

Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica, on Wednesday, handed over medical instruments valued at more than $400,000 to the Ministry of Health as part of the charity's ongoing support for the health sector.

The donation of 400 single stethoscopes and 400 blood pressure kits with stethoscopes was accepted by the Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton in a ceremony held at FFP's office in Ellersie Pen, St Catherine.

David Mair, executive director of FFP, said the donation signalled continued commitment of the non-profit organisation to play its part in improving Jamaica's health system.

"Food For The Poor is pleased to provide this kind of support to the Ministry of Health as part of our continued efforts to improve patient care. We recognise the importance of good health, and so we want to maintain the partnership with this donation of blood pressure machines and stethoscopes," said Mair.

BENEFICIAL PARTNERSHIP

Tufton expressed gratitude to FFP Jamaica for its commitment to the ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Health and said the support would be beneficial to patients islandwide.

"The Ministry of Health appreciates this kind of partnership with Food For The Poor that will significantly benefit the Jamaican people. A number of patients are examined on a daily and yearly basis hence this type of top-class equipment will be a useful addition," Tufton said.

"We have over 320 clinics and over 23 hospitals, plus hundreds of medical practitioners who utilise blood pressure machines and stethoscopes on a daily basis, so the items will definitely be needed."

This donation closely follows a contribution earlier this month by FFP Jamaica of 105 electric hospital beds and 250 wheelchairs to the Ministry of Health for distribution among hospitals across the island.