Louis Grant Medical Centre marks 40 years of service with heartfelt tribute to founder

On a day dedicated to celebrating the spirit and culture of Jamaica, the Louis Grant Medical Centre commemorated its 40th anniversary with a heartfelt tribute to its founder, Professor Louis Grant.

A man of patriotism and unwavering service, Professor Grant’s legacy continues to shape the institution and provide quality healthcare to the nation.

Formerly known as the Foundation for International Self Help (FISH), the centre, located in Papine, St Andrew, was renamed in honour of Professor Grant, a distinguished public health specialist whose dedication to equitable healthcare transformed the facility.

Last Friday’s Founder’s Day celebration welcomed a number of elderly individuals who expressed their gratitude to the centre’s dedicated staff.

“This afternoon, we are commemorating Founder’s Day. The centre was established in 1985, so this year marks our 40th anniversary,” said Patricia Sinclair McCalla, general manager of the Louis Grant Medical Centre.

“We have grown extensively over the years. We now operate four clinics – medical, dental, children’s, and the eye clinic, which is nationally, regionally, and internationally renowned for eye care. Additionally, we have an optical dispensary and a suite of other medical professionals working with us. The centre provides medical services not just to the local community but across the entire island of Jamaica.”

The event saw an overwhelming turnout, with staff, community members, and longtime patients joining in the milestone celebration. Twenty patients, recognised as legacy members, were honoured for their loyalty, having used the centre’s services for over 35 years.

“Several of them have been attending our facilities for many, many years, and I was pleased to see that it has become a generational benefit,” Sinclair McCalla remarked.

COMMUNITY-DRIVEN INITIATIVES

The centre’s commitment to accessible healthcare is bolstered not only by medical professionals but also through community-driven initiatives like the thrift shop, which plays a vital role in funding the facility. Operated by the founder’s daughter, Bette Grant-Otunla, the shop has raised $1.2 million to support the centre’s services.

“The thrift shop is open every Friday to the public,” Sinclair McCalla explained. “Not only do our staff benefit, but members of the community also visit the clinic and then stop by the thrift shop to make purchases. It has become a vital resource, offering clothing, utensils, and various household items at significantly reduced prices. In many ways, it’s a one-stop shop.”

Grant-Otunla, who also serves on the board of directors, spoke proudly of her father’s legacy and the significance of the event coinciding with Jamaica Day.

“It’s a great coincidence because my father was a great patriot. He loved Jamaica and was a very humble man. He believed in social justice and that everyone should have an equal opportunity to live a good, decent life. The way he lived his life showed people that they must respect everyone, no matter their station in life,” she said.

A vital component of the centre’s success has been the spirit of volunteerism, a value that Professor Grant held dear. Despite a national decline in volunteerism, the center continues to thrive, thanks to the dedication of volunteers, particularly those supporting the thrift shop.

“We have had volunteers operating the thrift shop alongside Mrs Grant-Otunla, and their contributions have been invaluable,” Sinclair McCalla noted.

“I strongly encourage others to do the same. The joy of service is, in itself, a reward. Not everything has to have a monetary value attached. When you give of yourself and your time, there is a deep personal fulfilment that comes with it. That is something I truly encourage and subscribe to.”

UPCOMING EVENTS

As the Louis Grant Medical Centre moves forward, its founder’s vision remains a guiding force. With continued collaboration from the Ministry of Health and a community committed to service, the centre stands as a shining example of accessible healthcare and national development.

As part of its 40th-anniversary celebrations, the centre has a packed schedule of events ahead. On Saturday, April 26, the headquarters will host a Health Fair from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., featuring booths from organizations and companies such as National Health Fund (NHF) and LASCO. Attendees can also look forward to informative talks on non-communicable diseases and HIV prevention, led by LGMC doctors.

A children’s activity is planned for May to ensure the younger generation is included in the celebrations.

The festivities will culminate with a grand gala dinner at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Saturday, October 11. The event will feature entertainment by a chamber group from the Philharmonic Orchestra of Jamaica and a keynote address from renowned business leader, philanthropist, and attorney-at-law, Mr Howard Mitchell, CD, JP.

Grant-Otunla encouraged the public to support this special occasion by purchasing tickets.

“This gala will be an extraordinary event – not only to celebrate 40 years but also to highlight our accomplishments and look ahead to continuing our service to the Jamaican people,” she said.