Sagicor Foundation has indicated that millions raised to benefit the Paediatric Unit of the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) was used to acquire a computerized tomography scan machine for the health facility.

The foundation sought to bring clarity to the issue after Opposition Spokesman on Health, Dr. Alfred Dawes raised concern over the possible diversion of approximately $75 million raised for the UHWI paediatric ward.

In a statement yesterday, Dr. Dawes noted that the funds, which were raised in 2023, through the Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run, may have been diverted without consultation with the facility’s paediatric department.

Dr. Dawes called on the UHWI administration to provide a detailed public accounting of how the funds were used.

In a response statement last evening, Sagicor Foundation explained that in 2023, the event raised $91,852,500 to support two causes: the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts and the UHWI’s Paediatric Unit.

Sagicor Foundation confirmed that in 2024, $495,000 USD or $J79,200,000 was paid to an authorized Philips Distributor to acquire a CT Scan machine for the health facility.

According to the statement, the foundation has been advised by the supplier that the machine was shipped last month and is slated to arrive in Jamaica next month.

The Sagicor Foundation says it is always transparent about the use of the funds raised and the full proceeds are shared among beneficiaries in line with its governance framework.