As part of the planned upgrades to strengthen the healthcare system in preparation for the full rollout of National Health Insurance (NHI), the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) yesterday signed a $7.576 million agreement with International Med-X and Ports International, both distributors for Philips Healthcare, for state-of-the-art radiology equipment. The equipment includes four digital radiography systems, two radiography/fluoroscopy systems, three mobile x-ray units, one 16 Slice CT scanner, two 64 Slice CT scanners, two MRI scanners and six ultrasound scanners.
The equipment is expected to be installed at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) and Rand Memorial Hospital. However, officials could not say when the equipment will be delivered and installed. PHA Managing Director Herbert Brown said a timeline of the installations will be determined following a series of meetings over the next week with the distributors.
During the contract signing at PHA headquarters, Collins Avenue, Minister of Health Dr. Perry Gomez said the new equipment will transform and enhance the radiology and diagnostic imaging departments at the public hospitals.
"This is one of many initiatives currently ongoing as part of our comprehensive health systems strengthening exercise, the effects of which can be seen in our clinics and hospitals across The Bahamas," Gomez said.
"The phased implementation of our National Health Insurance program has provided ongoing support by this government for the transformation of our public healthcare system," Gomez said. "Indeed, I am pleased to forecast that in short order my ministry and the Public Hospitals Authority will be publicizing much of the progress that is being made with respect to improving our infrastructure, facilities and services. We are making tremendous strides in improving essential public health services, and today we focus the nation's attention on this important milestone that will leapfrog our hospital imaging departments into the 21st century."
Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville and PHA Chairman Senator Frank Smith hailed the procurement of the new equipment as a significant undertaking.
The initial $60 million allocation for NHI is expected to be used to expand and upgrade existing public health facilities, including PMH, clinics across the country and the Rand in Grand Bahama; and to acquire 25 new ambulances, of which 10 have already been purchased. The funds are also expected to be used to improve PMH's Accident and Emergency (A&E) and make additional hires, including 22 doctors, 22 pharmacists, three surgeons, two radiologists and nine biomedical engineers.
A break down of the costs of these upgrades can be found in The Nassau Guardian's business section.
Public Hospitals Authority Chairman Frank Smith (left) and Minister of Health Dr. Perry Gomez addrerss the media during the contract signing at the PHA's headquarters on Collins Avenue yesterday. Ahvia J. Campbell
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