The recent acquisition of a neurosurgical drill by the South East Regional Health Authority has prompted a heated debate, with the opposition People’s National Party citing wastage of funds, and SERHA defending its actions.

There is a call for a SERHA official to resign as well as claims of disrespect.

Opposition spokesperson on Health, Dr. Alfred Dawes is calling for the immediate resignation of SERHA Board Chairman Wentworth Charles.

The call follows what Dawes described as an unprofessional and combative meeting about the $31 million purchase of a neurosurgical drill for the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

Dr. Dawes said the meeting, held yesterday with SERHA officials was confrontational and failed to provide clarity.

He also claimed the session lacked transparency and accused chairman Charles of showing disdain for accountability.

Dr. Dawes described the purchase of the drill, as reckless arguing that similar equipment could be sourced at a much lower cost.

Meantime, in a statement SERHA defended the purchase maintaining that the procurement was both transparent and necessary.

It said the neurosurgical drill was acquired through a competitive bidding process in full compliance with procurement guidelines.

It said three bids were received, ranging from $12 million to $50 million.

According to SERHA, the final cost of $31.4 million included over a hundred specialized attachments and a two year maintenance contract.

It emphasized that the amount reflected the total value of the full equipment package not just the drill.

SERHA noted that the equipment is the first of its kind in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, and is essential for paediatric neurosurgical procedures at the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

It added that the drill will support multiple departments and will reduce reliance on overseas missions for complex surgeries.

And chairman Charles pointed out that no similar equipment had been purchased in the past three years.

He said acquisition of the equipment significantly improves surgical care for children.

The chairman also noted that during the meeting, Dr Dawes did not apologize for his public remarks.

Charles described the spokesman’s behaviour and comments as disrespectful.