Andrews Memorial Hospital (AMH), a healthcare institution operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica, recently launched its Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory services. These additional services mark a significant step in the hospital’s goal toward a high-reliability healthcare institution, a move toward delivering quality care that addresses critical gaps in diagnostic and cardiac care in the nation.

His Excellency N. Nick Perry, U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica, highlighted the importance of this achievement during the Jan. 8, 2025, inaugural ceremony. “Andrews Memorial Hospital is strengthening the healthcare infrastructure in Jamaica,” he said. “The U.S. Embassy Kingston is proud to celebrate this milestone with our long-time partner in health and immigration services, demonstrating the power of collaboration in building a healthier Jamaica.”

Currently, AMH is the only facility in Jamaica authorized to conduct medical examinations for immigrant visas. All immigrant visa applicants are required to undergo a medical exam as part of the application process, making the hospital a critical player in both healthcare and immigration services.

A Step Forward for Community Healthcare

“The launch of the MRI and Cardiac Catheterization lab at Andrews Memorial Hospital represents a vital step forward in community healthcare, improving access to life-saving diagnostics and treatment for the people of Jamaica,” said Ambassador Perry.

Donmayne Gyles, president of AMH, emphasized the transformative impact of these new services. “By addressing the gaps in diagnostic imaging and cardiac care, we are contributing to the overall strengthening of Jamaica’s healthcare system,” he stated.

With the addition of MRI and Cardiac Catheterization services, AMH now joins a select group of approximately 10 healthcare facilities in Jamaica offering MRI services and five facilities in Kingston providing Cardiac Cath Lab services.

Currently providing CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds through its radiology department, the hospital has now expanded. According to Gyles, this milestone reflects the hospital’s commitment to increasing access to high-quality medical services and integrating advanced technology to improve patient outcomes

“The MRI service will significantly enhance our diagnostic capacity, allowing for earlier and more accurate diagnosis. This will improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for external referrals, ensuring a more seamless care experience at AMH,” added Gyles.

The Cardiac Cath Lab is a game changer that will provide on-site diagnostic and interventional procedures, said Gyles. “We will be better equipped to respond to emergencies and provide lifesaving treatments without delay.”

Key Contributors and Partners in the Expansion

Gyles thanked Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Raquel Gordon-Adlam, saying, “She is our chief of cardiology on our medical executive committee and has been instrumental in this roll-out of our cardiac program here at Andrews.” He further paid tribute to former presidents Dr. Patric Rutherford and Dr. Marvin Rohoutas for their vision in initiating the MRI and beginning the conversation about the Cardiac Catheter lab projects, respectively.

AdventHealth, a Seventh-day Adventist healthcare organization, has partnered with AMH for 30 years. During this partnership, they have donated various equipment, including a GE Signa 1.5T MRI Scanner and a GE Innova 2100 Cardiac Catheterization machine.

“This donation was spearheaded by the President/CEO for the East Florida Division of AdventHealth, Dr. Audrey Gregory, and her team. Thank you, Dr. Gregory. Thank you, AdventHealth,” added Gyles.

Addressing a National Crisis in Health

Dr. Gregory shed light on Jamaica’s alarming cardiovascular disease statistics.

“In 2024, Jamaica was projected to have approximately 200,000 deaths due to cardiovascular disease. This collaboration between AdventHealth and Andrews Memorial Hospital is a response to these staggering figures,” said Dr. Gregory, who hailed the new services as a milestone in advancing healthcare in Jamaica and AMH toward a high-reliability healthcare organization.

Dr. Geoffrey Liburd, neurosurgeon and chief of neurosurgery on the AMH Medical Executive Committee, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the critical role of MRI in modern neurosurgery. “The detailed capabilities of MRI best serve brain and spine imaging. This addition underscores AMH’s commitment to meeting the population’s healthcare needs, of high prevalence of non-communicable diseases,” he said.

Dedicated Leadership and Workforce

Everett Brown, chairman of the AMH Board and president of the Jamaica Union Conference, praised the hospital’s leadership and over 400-strong workforce for their dedication, linking the launch to the institution’s 80th-anniversary celebrations.

“This is a testament to AMH’s commitment to offering the best healthcare possible. We look forward to continued support as the hospital builds its capacity to be the best in its class,” Brown remarked.

The sentiment of optimism extended to attendees, including Dr. Talianne Titus, consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, who lauded the hospital’s forward-thinking approach. “This is fantastic. The availability of these services will benefit countless patients. Andrews Memorial Hospital is a leader in healthcare,” she said.

Enoch Penney-Laryea, regional security advisor for the United Nations, underscored the broader implications of the launch for Jamaica’s global standing. “Advanced facilities like these improve our confidence in classifying Jamaica as a viable duty station for international professionals. This is a win for the country and its healthcare infrastructure.”

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division website.