KINGSTON, Jamaica — A significant healthcare enhancement initiative has been launched at Percy Junor Hospital (PJH) in Manchester through a substantial donation from the newly established US-based diaspora foundation Right Now For Jamaica (RNFJ). The contribution, valued at approximately US$30,000, represents the first phase of a comprehensive support program designed to strengthen medical infrastructure in hurricane-affected regions.
The donation encompasses both medical essentials and technological equipment, including specialized medical instruments such as forceps, syringes with needles, and skin preparation gel. The foundation also supplied patient care items ranging from antifungal creams to adult incontinence pads and baby diapers. Beyond medical supplies, the contribution included 15 computers, multiple tablets, administrative furniture, refrigeration units, and filing systems to modernize hospital operations.
Founded by Manchester natives Dr. Maurice Miles and his wife Trudy Hall Miles, RNFJ emerged specifically to address reconstruction needs following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation. The handover ceremony held on January 30 featured remarks from Ambassador Audrey Marks, Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation, who also serves as Manchester North Eastern Member of Parliament where PJH is located.
Ambassador Marks revealed that the initial donation represents merely the beginning of sustained support, with an additional US$24 million worth of supplies already being mobilized. Critical medical equipment including adult and pediatric ventilators, electrocardiogram machines, and dialysis units are currently being sourced by the foundation in direct response to identified hospital needs.
Hall Miles, speaking for RNFJ, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to enabling quality healthcare delivery. ‘Providing medical teams with proper tools is fundamental to delivering compassionate care,’ she stated, noting plans to acquire intravenous poles and patient transport ventilators. The foundation has announced an upcoming fundraising gala in March featuring reggae artist Etana, with proceeds dedicated to health and education projects within Manchester North Eastern.
