No mammograms in public sector, doctors concerned

Nadine Wilson-Harris Gleaner Writer The NHF (National Health Fund) is in the process of procuring a mobile unit for the Ministry of Health to provide diagnostic and screening mammograms.

AT LEAST two senior medical practitioners have lamented the absence of a national screening programme that could bolster the fight against breast and other cancers.

Among those who have expressed concerns is senior medical officer at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) Dr Natalie Whylie. The hospital has seen several cancer patients coming to seek varying treatments to battle the disease.

“The absence of a national screening programme is worrisome,” Whylie told The Gleaner.

Similar sentiments were echoed by general and laparoscopic surgeon Dr Michael McFarlane who has, over the years, performed the difficult task of helping breast cancer patients remove their breasts.

$21,000 to get a mammogram in the private sector. The Jamaica Cancer Society, which conducts an estimated 10,000 mammograms annually, offers the cheapest rate at $3,800.

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton admits that there has been no mammogram service for several years now in the public sector, but he says that efforts were being made to change this reality.

“The NHF (National Health Fund) is in the process of procuring a mobile unit for the Ministry of Health to provide diagnostic and screening mammograms,” he said.

He noted that the plan was to make the service available at the four major public hospitals, starting with the KPH and the Cornwall Regional Hospital. The NHF and the chief medical officer would be leading this charge.

Tufton said that he was not opposed to having a national screening programme implemented as the ministry was working to improve its programmes.