SERHA Board Chairman Met with Opposition Spokesperson on Health and Wellness to Discuss the Acquisition of the Neurosurgical Drill for BHC

Kingston, Jamaica: The Board Chairman of the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), along with other senior officials, met today (Wednesday, April 23, 2025) with Dr. Alfred Dawes, Opposition Spokesperson on Health and Wellness for the People’s National Party. The meeting focused on matters concerning questions that had been raised regarding the acquisition of a neurosurgical drill for the Bustamante Hospital for Children (BHC), which were perceived by some as allegations of corruption. Mr. Wentworth Charles, Board Chairman, SERHA, invited Dr. Dawes to the meeting in his professional capacity as a medical doctor. During the discussion, Mr. Charles presented all relevant documents for the acquisition of the neurosurgical drill at the BHC to Dr. Dawes including:

1.GOJEP advertisement: The procurement of the equipment strictly adhered to the Government of Jamaica Procurement Guidelines, ensuring transparency and value for money. The neurosurgical drill was sourced from a reputable supplier and met all international standards for quality and safety. It is important to note that the SERHA engaged in a competitive bidding process and three suppliers expressed interest by submitting proposals from a low of approximately $12m to a high of over $50m for the supply and delivery of the neurosurgical drill and advanced attachments for the said drill including a two-year preventative maintenance service contract.

2.Summary of the Evaluation process: The summary of the evaluation and the bid evaluation report for the neurosurgical drill indicated that best practices were followed, ensuring the effective use of public resources. This evaluation and approval were conducted by leading neurosurgeons attached to the SERHA who ensured that the selected supplier met all the required specifications.

3. Signed evaluation report: The document presented reflects the integrity of the evaluators involved in the process, and no breach was found. Mr. Charles said that the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) further approved the purchase and the cost of acquisition of the neurosurgical drill.

Mr. Charles noted that it was reported in the Jamaica Gleaner that the neurosurgical drill was for $5M in China by Dr. Dawes. The Chairman explained to Dr. Dawes that the details of the invoice received from the recommended supplier provided a comprehensive breakdown of the value of the neurosurgical drill at a cost of $31,467,708.00. This amount included the cost of the equipment, the descriptions of over 100 pieces of attachment as well as a two-year preventative maintenance service contract. Mr. Charles then asked Dr. Dawes if he had any further questions regarding the acquisition of the neurosurgical drill. Dr. Dawes responded that he had no further questions, as “he clearly understood what had taken place”.

Mr. Charles explained further that the management of SERHA has not purchased any similar drill in the last 3 years. In fact, he noted that the life-saving neurosurgical drill that was purchased for BHC is the first of its kind in Jamaica and the Caribbean. He emphasized that the procurement process was fair and that all required procedures were followed by the parties involved. Mr. Charles also stated that the care of our children remains a top priority, and that the best equipment must be provided to our dedicated healthcare professionals, utilizing modern technology to improve patient outcomes. The state-of-the-art neurosurgical drill is designed to support critical brain and spinal surgeries in paediatric patients, significantly enhancing the hospital’s neurosurgical capabilities. The drill will benefit multiple specialties at BHC, including Neurosurgery, Faciomaxillary Surgery, and the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) departments. Additionally, Mr. Charles stated that the medical team will no longer have to wait on overseas missions before critical care can be provided to our children, especially those with scoliosis. The meeting reflects SERHA’s continued commitment to stakeholder engagement, transparency, and ensuring the highest standards of care for Jamaica’s children. The acquisition of this vital piece of equipment marks another step forward in strengthening specialized paediatric care at the nation's only dedicated children's hospital, and a historic milestone has been achieved in the healthcare system.

Finally, the Chairman of SERHA rejected Dr. Dawes assertion that there was any improper process in the acquisition of the neurosurgical drill at BHC and at the end of the meeting, the Chairman refused to shake his hand, as he did not see his conduct as distinguished, having failed to apologise to SERHA for the misstatement he made in the public domain. See letters attached to this statement from Mr. Charles to Dr. Dawes for further context. SERHA’s management team remains fully committed to safeguarding the health and future of our children in Jamaica and across the Caribbean. We reaffirm our commitment to our Motto: PEOPLE CARING FOR PEOPLE that is at the heart of all of our endeavours.

Mr. Wentworth Charles, Board Chairman, SERHA