Government buys US$45,600 microscope for eye surgeries at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital

The Government recently purchased a Zeiss microscope from Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc. in the United States for use at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, at a cost of US$45,600 (approx EC$123,120).{{more}}

Luis de Shong, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, said the microscope was received in St Vincent and the Grenadines on October 9.

It is being housed at the operating theatre and will be used by surgeons in the Department of Ophthalmology for eye surgeries.

“Several pieces of equipment at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital have been replaced over the years. However, the list of necessary equipment continues to be exhaustive, despite huge efforts over time to procure same,” De Shong said in a press release.

“Medical equipment is expensive and the high cost often determines the quantity that can be procured, given the limited available funds,” he further added.

He further said quality is one of the principles upon which public health services are delivered in SVG.

“Quality health services are contingent upon the availability of adequate, functioning and available equipment. And, the delivery of quality health care requires continuous capital investment in equipment and supplies,” de Shong said.