Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 3, 2025 (PMO) -– Prime Minister and Minister of Health, the Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, officially launched the newly acquired CT scan machine at the Joseph N. France General Hospital. This advanced piece of medical equipment represents a major milestone in the nation’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare services and ensure the well-being of citizens.
Delivering brief remarks at a launch ceremony, Prime Minister Dr. Drew recognized the significant impact of the new CT scan on healthcare delivery in St. Kitts and Nevis. He emphasized the importance of the machine in diagnosing life-threatening conditions such as strokes, heart disease, and cancer.
“This piece of equipment is critically important to treat a number of diseases. It is essential for diagnosing strokes, which are very common here in St. Kitts and Nevis. If you don’t have a CT scan, it really limits how effectively you can treat those who suffer from strokes. The machine also enables us to diagnose heart disease, especially the blood vessels around the heart. Moreover, its ability to diagnose certain cancers makes it an indispensable tool in improving our healthcare system.”
Dr. Drew further noted that the CT scan machine would play a pivotal role in the government’s broader goal of upgrading the Hospital to achieve accreditation. “This investment in healthcare infrastructure is part of our journey towards becoming an accredited institution,” he added. “We are tackling the challenges from all perspectives, whether it is physical equipment, human resource development, or customer service.”
The launch event was attended by key health officials, including Dr. Jenson Morton, Director of Health Institutions, who acknowledged the two-year process behind securing the machine and ensuring that all preparations were in place for its successful operation.
“This was a multi-million-dollar investment that took time and effort to bring to fruition. The machine had to be ordered, along with supporting systems such as the UPS and injector system, and several aspects of the hospital infrastructure had to be upgraded,” said Dr. Morton.
He continued, “We also ensured that all staff members received comprehensive training to operate and maintain the machine, which is vital for its longevity and effectiveness in serving the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to various stakeholders who contributed to the success of this project, including Dr. Frank Laws, Special Envoy on Health.
The addition of the CT scan machine is a significant step forward in improving the diagnostic capabilities of the nation’s healthcare system. It will serve not only St. Kitts but also Nevis, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that citizens receive the highest standard of medical care.
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