QEH receives over US$200 000 worth of equipment, supplies

THE Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) recently received a donation of medical equipment and supplies, valued in excess of US$200 000 from the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

Chinese Ambassador Wang Ke made the official hand over to Minister of Health, John Boyce, who accepted the donation on behalf of the QEH and the Government of Barbados. The donation, which consisted of two new anaesthetic machines, a brand new ultrasound machine and essential medical supplies, was made yesterday morning in the QEH boardroom.

QEH CEO, Dr. Dexter James, noted that in addition to the valuable endowment of medical equipment, the Government of the People’s Republic of China has also funded and facilitated the
provision of expert medical support, delivered by a Chinese medical team. The team comprises three surgeons who specialise in hepatobiliary, gastroenterology and spine surgery; two physicians – an anaesthetist and a nephrologist; two critical care nurses; and one nephrology nurse.

The eight-member team, headed by Dr. Shiqiao Luo, assumed official duties on December 19, 2016, Dr. James indicated and were assigned to critical care nursing, nephrology nursing, nephrology, anaesthesia, interventional radiology, minimal invasive surgery and orthopaedics, all areas which are undermanned at the QEH.

“This gesture by the Government of China, which helps to enhance the delivery of health care in Barbados, is greatly appreciated and graciously accepted. Indeed, the Government and people of Barbados are exceedingly thankful for this valuable gift,” Minister Boyce remarked.

“The government of Barbados recognises that this country’s development and sustainability is predetermined by the health, well-being and education of its people and to this end, continues to give priority to these areas,” Boyce further stated.

Noting that on an annual basis, some 700 million dollars is invested into the delivery of health care alone, with the Government being responsible for approximately 55 per cent of this expenditure, the Health Minister noted that donations such as the one made by the Chinese government, go a long way in aiding the Government and ensuring that Barbadians can receive the best care.

Stressing that Barbados has benefited for over four decades from a mutually beneficial relationship with China, Boyce expressed his hope that that relationship will be expanded and improved upon, going forward. (RSM)