Victoria Jubilee Hospital gets equipment boost

 As the country’s birth rates continue to fall, Jamaica is stepping up its fight to protect every newborn with a major technology boost at Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH) in Kingston.

The hospital, which is the largest referral maternity facility in the English-speaking Caribbean, has received a $32-million upgrade in life-saving equipment, including 13 cardiotocographymachines and state-of-the-art ultrasound system to strengthen the monitoring of mothers and babies during pregnancy and labour.

The donation, made through a partnership between Food For The Poor Jamaica and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was handed over on Monday, during an emotional ceremony at the hospital.

Junior health minister Krystal Lee said the investment in the VJH, which delivered 5,200 babies in the past two years, will help to improve early detection of complications and speed interventions. 

“They represent reassurance for expectant mothers, confidence for our healthcare workers and, ultimately, better outcomes for babies and families across Jamaica,” Lee said.

She added: “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.”