$32M Boost for Maternal and Neonatal Care at Victoria Jubilee Hospital

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has significantly enhanced its capacity to deliver high-quality maternal and neonatal services through a $32-million healthcare support initiative at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH) in Kingston.

Through a partnership between Food For the Poor Jamaica and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, VJH has been equipped with 13 Cardiotocography (CTG) machines and a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine, strengthening its ability to provide advanced care for mothers and newborns.

The items were officially handed over during a ceremony at the hospital on Monday (June 15).

Portfolio State Minister, Hon. Krystal Lee, noted that the donated equipment will advance early detection, enhance patient monitoring, and enable timely interventions at the institution, which serves thousands of women and newborns annually.

The CTG machines will enhance the ability of medical staff to monitor foetal heart rates and uterine contractions during pregnancy and labour, providing critical data to support informed clinical decision-making.

Meanwhile, the ultrasound machine will strengthen prenatal diagnostic capabilities, facilitating the early identification of complications that could affect the health of both mother and child.

“They represent reassurance for expectant mothers, confidence for our healthcare workers and, ultimately, better outcomes for babies and families across Jamaica. These improvements come at a time when the Ministry continues to prioritise reducing maternal and neonatal risks and advancing the quality of care available throughout our health system,” Ms. Lee said.

The initiative also included comprehensive training for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare personnel at the hospital, ensuring that the new equipment is utilised effectively to deliver the highest standard of maternal and neonatal care.

The State Minister underscored that saving lives requires not only advanced technology but also “the skilled hands and compassionate hearts of our healthcare workers,” highlighting the importance of investing in both equipment and training under the initiative.

In expressing heartfelt gratitude to the partners, Ms. Lee emphasised that transforming the local healthcare system is a shared responsibility that requires the Government, strong partnerships, a common vision and a collective commitment to improving lives.

Meanwhile, Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Elder Paul Sutherland, explained that Victoria Jubilee Hospital was selected after he visited the institution and engaged with stakeholders to better understand the areas where assistance could be most impactful.

Elder Sutherland said that the Church’s donation would strengthen the local healthcare system, noting that its global humanitarian efforts reached approximately 196 countries last year, at a cost of nearly US$2 billion.