Cabinet approves $55M for health equipment

WHILE the health crisis continues to affect public hospitals due to doctors’ sick-out action, Government is moving to improve health care.

Cabinet has approved $55 million for the purchase of medical equipment, among them CT scan machines. In revealing this, Health Minister Colm Imbert said in a matter of days contracts will be approved for purchase of the equipment, which includes a diagnostic imaging machine. The current backlog of cataract surgery at the two general hospitals was a source of great worry to the Ministry, Imbert said. It stands at approximately 1,000, but new equipment would result in a considerable reduction, Imbert assured. Also of  great concern, Imbert said, was the rate and extent of kidney failure in which patients must have dialysis treatment twice every week.

Noting that the cost per session was between $500 to $800, Imbert said the Ministry intends to set up Dialysis Treatment Centres in several parts of the country. “We are planning to get this equipment soon. The contracts for purchase are currently with the Attorney General for approval,” Imbert said.