COK, JamaicaMed partnership opens up emergency care market
Published:Sunday | May 22, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer
Health care provider Jamaica-Med says its MemberFirst partnership with COK Sodality Co-operative Credit Union has opened up a window for Jamaicans who previously could not afford emergency medical care overseas.
John Linns and Duane Boise, senior members of JamaicaMed, outlined the company's new-look plan Tuesday during a Jamaica Chamber of Commerce meeting in Kingston.
Initially, only COK members who contributed J$500 monthly to MemberFirst qualified for the programme. Under the new arrangement, individuals and employers can pay a similar amount to COK and become eligible without being members.
Linns, chief executive officer at JamaicaMed, said the average Jamaican will be able to access the best facilities in the Caribbean, United States, Latin America, Europe and Asia once they are part of the MemberFirst plan.
"Traditionally, the emergency air ambulance have been the providence of executives, cabinet ministers and wealthy people," Linns said.
"If you were an average Jamaican and the doctor says you have to go somewhere else if you want to live, before, you probably wouldn't have lived," he added.
To qualify for MemberFirst, members have to be up-to-date with payments up to six months. Once signed up, they are issued an access card with a toll-free number which they can call in case of an emergency.
Patients who may require urgent medical attention overseas can contact JamaicaMed's personal care advisors through that number. The company's medical director then determines the patient's eligibility before advising their doctor on the next step for their patient.
Once clearance is given, the JamaicaMed operations manager negotiates travel arrangements which include acquiring an emergency visa.
Linns said the company has pitched its plan to north coast hotels for not only staff, but tourists who may need urgent medical attention overseas.
Boise estimated that more than 10 persons have utilised JamaicaMed's air ambulance service to date.
JamaicaMed has two Jamaican aircraft equipped with aero-medical supplies for emergency services. Both are manned by local medical staff.
In June, another aircraft is expected to be permanently stationed at the Tinson Pen Aerodrome in Kingston.
Both Americans, Linns and Boise have been involved in health care for more than 20 years. Linns specialised in information technology with hospitals in Florida and Georgia, while Boise was associated with emergency air services throughout the Caribbean for over two decades.
They started JamaicaMed last year with Jamaican surgeon, Dr Neville Graham.