The maternity ward at the Mandeville Regional Hospital has received three mobile blood-pressure machines and two cardiotocographs, valued at more than US$8,000 (J$720,000).

Cardiotocographs record the heartbeat of the foetus as well as monitor contraction of the uterus during pregnancy.

The donation was facilitated by the Rotary Club of Mandeville and Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB).

At the handover ceremony last Thursday, JMMB Branch Manager Marcia Whittaker highlighted the health care that persons are receiving at public-health facilities, and noted her experience of that service when she took her daughter to the Mandeville Regional Hospital, recently.

"As part of our social responsibility, we believe that we should continue to assist people. And through these projects we are able to touch a wide variety of people," she said.

Rotary on a roll

Hospital Chief Executive Officer Alwyn Miller said the ongoing support from the Mandeville Rotarians had boosted the institution's capacity to give quality service to the more than 5,000 deliveries that take place at the maternity ward annually.

"The Rotary Club of Mandeville has a rich history of assisting people throughout this parish, particularly the Mandeville Regional Hospital. This gift is significant, not only because of the value, but also because it is to serve our fellowmen, and help to facilitate and preserve lives," he said.

In his inaugural address last year, president of the Rotary Club of Mandeville, Dr Olajide Adekeye, said that during his tenure he would source equipment for the hospital. Since then, he and his team have presented several vital state-of-the- art equipment.