Last Updated on January 17, 2023, 5:10 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The Joseph N. France or the JNF General Hospital, St Kitts and Nevis’s prominent government-owned healthcare centre, has informed the people of St Kitts and Nevis that they are planning to resume cataract surgeries at the institution within a few weeks. The JNF General hospital made this announcement after procuring several new pieces of equipment. These unique pieces of equipment will help in performing several different types of eye procedures.
The update came from The Ministry of Health of St Kitts and Nevis and the Executive Management of JNF General Hospital. Per the ministry and the hospital authorities, the JNF General Hospital has halted the surgeries since June 2022 due to the lack of proper equipment.
Since assuming office in August 2022, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, who also has the responsibility for the Ministery of Health Dr Terrance Drew pledged to restore the general hospital to full functionality. Since then, the hospital authorities have relentlessly and successfully searched and purchased new equipment for various sectors within the hospital.
According to the Ministry of Health, they spent a sum of EC $784,564 on purchasing the much-needed equipment. They further explained that the Eye Clinic will receive the following:
A Visuref 150 Autorefractor. This professional instrument delivers fast, reliable, objective refraction and keratometry results. It assists in getting an in-depth assessment of the patient’s condition. Additionally, the conducts cornea and pupil diameter measurements, image capturing and contact lens base curve measurements.
A ZEISS OPMI LUMERA 700. This is a surgical microscope that medical practitioners can use for every cataract surgery. It provides outstanding anterior views and precise assistance functions.
Multiple Electrosurgery forceps. This equipment is used routinely in eye surgery to cut, coagulate, dissect, fulgurate, ablate and shrink the tissue.
The new equipment will again allow the Eye Clinic to function at full capacity.
The Ministry of Health apologizes for the inconvenience caused during the past months and is committed to continued improvements.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
