Milton Cato Memorial Hospital gets new medical equipment

The Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) now has a new portable sonogram and printer, two patient monitors and one blood gas analyzer.{{more}}

The hospital acquired the new medical equipment through the assistance of Vincentian Collin Ash, who resided in the United States for a number of years.

Ash, a cancer survivor, returned home last year.

Upon his return, Ash said he realized that the hospital was in need of medical equipment and sought assistance from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, of which he is a member.

“I contacted the church and told them that I know the local hospital needs help and if we can start the ball rolling.

“I was back and forth in meetings here and with the church’s headquarters in the States. I was also engaged in a number of meetings with Dr Woods at the hospital and he was the one who directed me as to what is really needed and what is vital. And today, after all those meetings, it is paying off,” he told SEARCHLIGHT.

Minister of Health Clayton Burgin, who received the equipment during a short handing over ceremony last Friday, thanked the church’s representatives, Mr and Mrs Cook, for what he described as a timely donation.

“Clearly, Brother and Sister Cook, your church, your organisation, is lighting candles for this blessed nation, rather than cursing the darkness. You have not complained about what is wrong. You are aiming to be part of the solution.

“And permit me at this juncture to express my deepest thanks and appreciation to you and your principals for this kind and generous donation. This must, indeed, serve as an example to others, that every small drop causes far-reaching ripples that can help to make our blessed land a better place,” Burgin said.

Burgin also said that as political head of his ministry, he has a responsibility to make as a front burner issue, the health and well-being of citizens of St Vincent and the Grenadines, at all times.

This, he said, translates to the need for every single professional who works within the national health sector to also take their responsibilities seriously, in order that we might achieve our planned objectives.

“In addition, I would wish to use this opportunity here to reassure all citizens that the government of this country is committed to the continued development of our national health sector. I am persuaded that by now, all citizens are aware that financing the health sector is indeed an undertaking of monumental proportions.

“And it is for this reason that we continue to construct lasting bridges of support from friendly governments, numerous organizations and patriotic individuals who continue to collaborate with us to support the developing health sector. They continue to offer medical equipment and supplies, which we use for the benefit of citizens who access the public health system,” Burgin said. (AA)