Dawes demands details of Jamaica's ICU capacity

Opposition Spokesman on Health Dr Alfred Dawes is calling for the Ministry of Health and Wellness to clearly state the country's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity and outline the steps being taken to increase it to meet the demands of the population.

In a media release on Monday, Dawes claimed that "in spite of 210 registered ventilators in the system, there are less than 40 adult Intensive Care Unit beds available islandwide."

Dawes argues that having the largest number of ventilators ever means nothing if the infrastructure, staffing and required equipment are not put in place to create sufficient critical care facilities islandwide.

However, he says the ministry has "skillfully avoided answering direct questions about the island's ICU capacity."

“Before the pandemic, there were less than 35 proper ICU spaces, not counting makeshift recovery room spaces. According to reports, there are around 35 proper ICU spaces in the public health system. Why has the MOHW not included this information in their report?” questioned Dawes. 

Dawes argues that the Government has failed to prioritise critical care despite a "massive injection" of cash coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He says the shortage of ICU beds delays critical surgeries and "countless trauma, stroke, septic and post-surgery patients have died awaiting ICU beds that never materialised."

“At any given time, there are several patients awaiting an ICU bed to give them a fighting chance at survival. As a result of the limited capacity, the staff have to make the heart-rending decision of who gets to live. No patient, relative, friend or healthcare worker deserves this status quo,” he states.

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.