Health authorities say newly-commissioned MRI to serve Dominica and CARICOM countries

The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) has now commissioned its MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) service to meet the needs of not only Dominicans, but CARICOM countries and beyond.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, Dr. Dexter James who was delivering remarks at the commissioning ceremony on Friday, said the new MRI machine will provide access to early detection, access to early diagnostics and access to treatment for such medical conditions such as brain tumors, brain injury, strokes and infections, among others.

“In spite of the many distractions around Covid management, the management team continues to work on a number of projects, one of which is the commissioning of the MRI service,” he said. “This project had its own challenges.”

According to Dr. James, helium gas had to be imported as part of the calibration process and specialized equipment had to be shipped to support the calibration.

“In spite of the challenges, this week, we were able to move the final area of this installation, the commissioning of the MRI,” he stated and added that over the past 4 days staff had been trained in the conduct of different types of studies on the machine.

A number of patient volunteers participated in the on-site training, according to Dr. James.

He said the DCFH is the only hospital in the OECS territory that owns and operates an MRI in its public health services and will reduce the need for overseas travel for for patients, both from the public and private sectors, who seek diagnostics care.

Dr. James revealed that the current hospital fee structure will be maintained.

“We are not in any position at this point in time, to change the fees and if and when that time comes, by law, there is a process in which that has to be carried out,” he remarked. “So there has been no increase in the fees charged to patients at the Dominica-China Friendship [Hospital].”

A Chinese training team is expected to arrive in Dominica in January/February of 2022 to begin training of doctors and support staff and according to Health Minister, Dr. Irving McIntyre, professionals from other Caribbean islands will also be invited to participate in the training sessions.”

In keeping with the government’s efforts to improve health services, the minister revealed that “as early as next week,” Dominica will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Brenda Strafford Foundation which he said will make funds available to t5he government to equip the country’s  ophthalmology department with state-of-the-art equipment, “thus making it a centre of excellence for eye care in the region.”

“We are also pursuing a proposal with the University of Michigan, that is the My Heart, Your Heart Program which will enable us to have permanent pacemaker implants done right here at our Dominica-China Friendship Hospital,” he stated.

Dr. McIntyre thanked the People’s Republic of China for the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital which he described as a generous and timely gift, “not just the structure, but the equipment as well.”

Medical Director of the DCFH Dr. Ruby Blanc revealed that the Ministry of Health has, over the past 6 to 8 weeks, completed activation of the machine which culminated this week with application training of four radiographers which was conducted by an application support specialist.

“Our technologists have been exposed to conducting studies of the brain, spine, joints, abdomen and pelvis,” Dr. Blanc noted.

During the week, according to Dr. Blanc, more than 20 patients benefited from an introductory, no-cost service as they presented or consented to participate as volunteers referred by their physicians during that training.

“A small fee of EC$100 was paid so that they could have reports given of the studies done,” she stated.

The Medical Director assured Dominicans that in addition to no longer having to travel overseas for MRI services, the proposed fees will be at least 20% lower than that paid within the region.

She said the Chinese government has donated the MRI machine, the Hifu machine as well as an XRAY unit with a total value of more than EC$10 million.

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37 Comments

  1. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    October 28, 2021

    “The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) has now commissioned its MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) service to meet the needs of not only Dominicans, but CARICOM countries and beyond.”

    People who don’t know better will believe that lying crap: So what they are suggesting that Dominica is the only place in the Caribbean Region with this Johnny-come lately with an MRI Machine!

    Among the islands I know for a fact there are more than one MRI in hospitals in the Caribbean ” West Indies;” are Trinidad &Tobago; I know that there are such in Antigua, they bought one more than twenty years ago at a cost of over ten million dollars then. I know MRI Machine operates in hospital in Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Guyana, and in Suriname, all of which are members of this so called CARICOM.

    Dominica is always the last to have anything, nevertheless; we boast of being the first; so they are suggesting without China yard foul chicken feed none of the islands have MIR…

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      October 28, 2021

      And so, while I am at it and recuperating; I need to to say to that boy Mr. Man Dog; that I saw where he kissed up to the little men (dem dam) China man thanking them and government Roosevelt because they Install an MRI Machine is the renovated Princes Margret Hospital.

      Man Dog; you dog crawling yellow belly thanking them for something Dominica government should have been able to do for ourselves; all gifts are not always good gifts, you had better pray what the are involved in giving to you and that damn corrupted crook Roosevelt works.

      The Chines have a reputation of pretending to build hospitals in people’s country, only to decay in a matter of months, some are condemned even before they go into use.

      If you don’t believe me research what they did in Afghanistan, and many places in Africa. It is pitiful that these people are talkin this fart that their MIR is going to serve people around the world so to speak!

      How very stupid; we are dumb we do not know we do not know…

  2. Anthony P. Ismael
    October 26, 2021

    This is a good move. Anytime you can update your healthcare system and provide services for citizens, thus avoiding travel to neighboring islands, that’s welcomed.

  3. We the People
    October 26, 2021

    I think you should turn around a bite the fleas off your back. If other countries have an MRI machine, that is a fact you or anyone else cannot change.

    What I am curious about is that the machine was commissioned, which to me gives a sense that it’s ready to be used, but at the same time a Chinese team will be here in January/February 2022 to begin to train doctors and support staff. I am confused.

  4. Lin clown
    October 26, 2021

    The majority of Dominicans know anything GOOD for Dominicans,UWP and their supporters criticize.The $300 DLP is giving to the 2,700 people monthly they criticize.NEP has been in operation for nine(9) years now,with 3,400 people employed UWP criticize.They said the Dominica-China friendship hospital was a PIE IN THE SKY.The Windsorpark stadium was a WHITE ELEPHANT and DC airport was a Venezuelan JET BOMBING airport.These sons of Satan,are seeing and yet they deny

    • October 26, 2021

      No Linclown, they are not seeing. Do you know the Word of Jesus in the Bible when He told the Pharisees and Sadducces, that they were blind? Well that is the blindness that the UWPites and many others in Dominica possess.

      A perfect vision of things is the vision that first see with the mind, that is fully disciplined by Love, and to perceive with the eyes that is opened to the Light.

      I have capitaled “Love” and “Light” because I am speaking Spiritually, just as Jesus always did, in that He wants His people to with Him in the Spirit.

      Sadly, the majority of the World is existing with a carnal condition of the mind which cannot reveal the things of “Light in Love” neither will the eyes which is spiritually blind perceive them. Too many of us in Dominica are walking with that sorry and dead condition–not just the UWPites.

  5. Da Girl
    October 26, 2021

    My Little Take and MRI employee sounding like the same person using different names eh :lol: :lol: :lol: why you so sour nuh?

  6. Da Girl
    October 26, 2021

    I must say that I am very excited about this. I brag so much here about our brand new health clinics and hospitals, the housing revolution and now our new airport. I also look at the order in which these projects were done and saying boy that is prioritization for your money. While everybody was laughing about we have no airport, we had bigger things in motion. Health always trumps everything. I know we have had our challenges within the health sector which left a lot to be desired but this is certainly a step in the right direction. Just ensure that persons are well-trained and the equipment is properly maintained.

    I am filled with such pride right now. When it good say it good..and this is GOOD.

    • VereTere
      October 26, 2021

      Your name isn’t GUCCI by any chance, in which case I have some understanding why you would write this nonsense. Otherwise, I would advise you to see a psychologist. You are not well at all.

      • October 26, 2021

        Go get a life VereTere. The woman sees something good and points it out and feels proud of herself and the country and Skerrit. Are you a jealous …… This is good stuff for Dominica and the PMH. Next, we will be getting a state-of-the-art Mammogram machine soon. Say it is good when it is good. Ugly Lennox will never be the PM of Dominica. How many times must I tell you so before it sinks in?

    • Pipo
      October 26, 2021

      Of course it is good we have this machine but we should no be bragging about it the way we do, as if it is vital to Caricom and beyond. Barbados has such equipment and I believe that would be the first port of call for someone like Ralph Gonsalves. It nearer than Dominica, has better air connections and does not require a jolting long road journey, like it would here. Or they could go to St Lucia. Lets’s see how this pans out in practice before we show off.

      • October 26, 2021

        Oh, Pipo. You are just an envious ……. Anything Skerrit does it gives you the chill. Take good care of your health before you collapse. Always put your country first. Your big UWP fool.

  7. MI17
    October 26, 2021

    Of course it’s extremely helpful to have an early diagnostic tool like this. Having said that, this machine is only of use if the country had surgeons that are capable of taking over from there. Does Dominica have competent surgeons like that? The answer is a clear NO. So in order to benefit from the diagnosis, Dominicans would have to go abroad. Can the ordinary Dominican afford to do so? Again the answer is NO. so yet again, the only people to really benefit are those citizens who would be subsidised by the banker of the CBI accounts, and we all know who they are. My questions to all those other Dominicans, IS THIS FAIR? Don’t all of you deserve a larger share of the CBI cake as well? Get rid of the man that has been holding all you down for almost 20 years now!! All he has been doing is lying to all you!

    • Man bite dogs
      October 26, 2021

      @MI17,You amigo have too much brains at the back of your underwear wipe it off clean!! And shut your dama** mouth ……

      • We the People
        October 26, 2021

        I think you should turn around a bit the fleas off your back. If other countries have an MRI machine, that is a fact you or anyone else can change.

        What I am curious about is that the machine was commissioned, which to me gives a sense that it’s ready to be used, but at the same time training will be done in January/February 2022 to begin to train doctors and support staff

      • MI17
        October 26, 2021

        You expect me to enter into a conversation? Sorry, but you are not on the required level. I’m not prepared to play in your sandpit. Maybe one of your dogs will.

  8. Long overdue
    October 25, 2021

    One MRI machine to service CARICOM and beyond?? :lol: I thought Dominica was “moving along.” Every hospital should have succeeded a machine. DO you know how long these machines are on the market? U have a man with billions plus unaccounted for ( the people money) and U didn’t know your hospital is in need of life saving equipment and machine?? Don’t make me laugh at you, Dominicans. If skeritt give the hospital a Red syringe everybody would clap for a Red syringe. When folks ask me where I’m from, I say Haiti. Because Dominica is too backwards.

    • Allan Jerry Samuel
      October 26, 2021

      My friend I am glad you say you from Haiti, at least we don’t have to worry about anyone thinking that Dominica can produce such an a- – hole. There is a time and place for everything under the sun and if you not happy for Dominica moving forward and not having to run to everyone else to get help, then that’s your problem. When Dame Eugenia Charles was Prime Minister and went to Trinidad on a trip to get help for Dominica a newspaper in that country printed for its headlines “Enter the Beggar maid”. Those days are gone now when we are looked upon as the beggar. It is a proud moment though it took too long that we should all celebrate, I hope you never need the use of that equipment at any point in life and if you do I hope you are in Haiti then and that they “Succeeded “ a machine like you said whatever that means to you.

      • Tom & Jerry
        October 26, 2021

        Where is Dominica moving forward to? Dominica hasn’t got a cent with its name one. Buuuuut there is a man in Dominica, and that must be what you are referring to. HE for sure is moving forward and HE is going places. Buuuut all you are left behind! Everyday Mister laughing at all you…

        • Man bite dogs
          October 26, 2021

          Tom & Jerry, Get your ahole out of here if you have not got something sensible to say shut your cake hole please!

          • ccs
            October 27, 2021

            Dogs when have you ever had something sensible to say, you should take you own advice.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
          • Tom & Jerry
            October 27, 2021

            Oh dear, are you upset now you disgusting creature. Skerrit must be proud of his nasty army, the likes of you, Clown, DS, Gary, Mark, etc.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • Gotcha
        October 26, 2021

        @ SAMUEL ADAMS. How many you had today??😂
        Look what visitors to our Island found out: they detected that in a political arguments between followers of both parties in Dominica, the ones who are likely to curse and disrespect are the labor party folks. They are the ones who remain in denial of the mess this administration have created and continues to create. So they are the first to jump at you in order to silence your message. This, I have seen firsthand and on the ground; and I continue to see this attitude play out on DNO. Labor people are quick to insult and quick to curse. One person said it’s because they are “RUNNING SCARED.” They will not win another election in a very long time. So all their skin is itching them. I wish I could say that in patois. Tout core yoh ca guati yoh…😂😂😂

  9. Malatete
    October 25, 2021

    MRI scanning is also available in St. Lucia (Castries) and Barbados (Warren) as far as I know, not counting the neighbouring French islands.

    • Man bite dogs
      October 26, 2021

      @Malatete,What’s the point you trying to make?come on spit it out!!

  10. Lin clown
    October 25, 2021

    Well done Dr.Skerrit and the DLP.Dale Dangleben the UWP and their supporters must be BLUE VEX.Remember the new Roseau hospital they blue vex.The new Grammar school they blue vex.The E O Leblanc highway they blue vex.The Windsor Park stadium they blue vex.Everything for the PEOPLE in favour of the people,that will benefit the people,UWP blue vex.

  11. Man bites dogs
    October 25, 2021

    I would like to add my thanks to the people Republic of China, and Mr Skerrit, Labour government well done guys! Ugly Lenny, and his fake looney bin so-called party created by Edison James, could never have achieved what Pm Dr Skerrit, has done for Dominica, and its people, right now ugly Lenny, and his hyenas is fighting each other for that Gorilla and Crocodiles leadership!! Watch this space coming soon.

    • My little take
      October 25, 2021

      Here we go again. Look @ dog bite, the Dlp has been in office for 22 years. During those years they completely destroyed our banana industry, our copra industry, Ross University, and many more things we did for a living. I wish somebody could tell us how many Dominicans died during those 22 years from illnesses they shouldn’t have died from.
      An MRI is very important and it’s a shame that it took Skerrit 22years to get us one when he has become a multimillionaire from the resources of the people he has made poor. While I am thankful to China I must say that $10 million EC dollars is nothing compared to what they have taken from us. By the way an MRI is not a fix it just helps to diagnose the problem. If we don’t have the skills to help with the fix we will still have to go abroad for treatment. We don’t need an MRI to diagnose high blood pressure, diabetes and some simple cancers. Yet we can’t get them cured. So shut up with your nonsense man.

      • Man bite dogs
        October 26, 2021

        @My little take, Your comments is all bulls**t then again what does one expect from a blue baboon apart from crap, Facts – Edison James, destroyed the banana and Copra industry, that guy was useless Dominica was a laughing stock throughout the Carribean and the world, to make things worse he had the nerve to put a lazy loser as the opposition leader, that is why Pm Dr Skerrit, is walking all over him and his so-called calamity party. My little take, you have nothing over me go away and shut up!!!

  12. Give Thanks
    October 25, 2021

    GOOD JOB for this MRI machine we are moving ahead slowly but sure. GOOD for the Dominica much needed machine.WOW…we will learn the importance of this device.

    • MRI employee
      October 25, 2021

      Moving ahead of what? So many small minded people in this country that just don’t understand politics. Man an MRI is not a ‘fix it’ equipment! It just helps the doctor better able to diagnose a problem just as a computer helps a mechanic better able to diagnose a problem on a car. While I am thankful for it let me say to you that 70% of our leading cause of death will never need an MRI to get diagnosed. That’s a fact! An MRI cannot diagnose or stop covid. While it will help diagnose the damage done by covid it’s going to take more than MRI to fix the problem. So I don’t see what you think we are moving ahead

      • October 26, 2021

        It will diagnose your brains and see if you got any bad cells that represent UWP and Linton. Your bum. Stop being negative.

      • Give Thanks
        October 26, 2021

        If we can’t appreciate the small things God will withhold the bigger things. WHAT will you say when our airport us finished? At least people will not have to travel overseas to diagnose a tumor wasting money. We can be better prepared for the outcome. I have a family member that just returned last week to find out they had a tumor. Why are we so ungreatful? Anyway we will learn. After awhile.

        • Sewo Galore
          October 26, 2021

          YOU won’t see that airport to be finished either. YOU are just a day dreamer and that master of yours is a liar.
          BTW, what’s the point of diagnosing an illness or a tumor locally if there is nobody to treat it locally. You still need to travel abroad to get it treated. Who is going to pay…? Your PM? Stop being so gullible and foolish.

          • October 26, 2021

            You are the one who is gullible. Skerrit is doing his utmost and you should be proud of that. What more do you want? Stop being negative. Do you need a glass of sewo to drink or some cool out? Be thankful for what we have so far. Rome was not built in a day. Dominica is on a mission under Skerrit. You better believe it.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • Me
          October 26, 2021

          A word to the wise. Reserve your judgement on the airport till it completed.

        • Toto
          October 26, 2021

          That is very sad man. Who is going to remove the tumor and where. Good luck anyway.

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