Food For The Poor boosts health sector with new beds, wheelchairs

LAST WEEK, Food For The Poor (FFTP) Jamaica donated 105 electric hospital beds and 250 wheelchairs to the Ministry of Health for distribution among hospitals across the island.

The items were handed over at the charity organisation’s head office in Ellerslie Pen, St Catherine to Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton.

“We are here this morning at the facilities of Food For The Poor Jamaica, receiving a number of important and valuable items to support health-care services delivery in Jamaica. The donation covers beds and wheelchairs that will benefit the hospitals,” said the minister.

“This is an ongoing partnership with Food For The Poor that existed even before my time, but this is one relationship that we would definitely like to strengthen because of the importance it represents in providing for those who utilise the public health system.”

He added, “Certainly, since being minister for the last four or five months, we have received valuable medication and equipment totalling millions of dollars, and I just want to take this opportunity to thank Food For The Poor. We want this partnership to continue because we believe that the charity aspect in supporting public health in Jamaica is absolutely critical.”

EXPECT MORE

David Mair, executive director of FFtP Jamaica said the Ministry of Health, could expect more donations later this year.

“We are handing over 105 hospital beds to the Ministry of Health but this is just part of a total amount. We are trying to provide the Ministry of Health with up to 500 beds by the end of the year through our Florida office. We have also donated 250 wheelchairs, thanks to our donors from the United States, Free Wheelchair Mission,” said Mair.

“We are really grateful for without the donors, Food For The Poor can do nothing. We continue to endorse this partnership with the Ministry of Health and remain committed to enhancing public health and improving patient care in Jamaica.”