Jamaican philanthropist Carol Picart donates medical equipment to public hospitals
Jamaica Live News Desk– | Oct 8, 2025
Jamaica’s public health system has received a major boost through the donation of critical medical equipment valued at J$48.7 million (US$314,000) from Jamaican-born philanthropist Carol Picart, now residing in Canada.
The items, contributed in collaboration with the National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation (NHEF) — an agency under the Ministry of Health & Wellness — include diagnostic equipment, ventilators, and machines to provide life-saving support for sick and premature newborns.
The equipment will benefit Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James, and Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held on Monday, September 29, at KPH’s North Street location, State Minister in the Ministry of Health & Wellness, Hon. Krystal Lee, expressed gratitude for the generous contribution, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in advancing Jamaica’s healthcare goals.
“We know that whereas the health sector has been transformed… we still have a far way to go. It is these collaborative efforts and partnerships that will help us get to where we need to be faster and strengthen the programmes that we have,” Minister Lee stated.
The donation includes two ventilators and an endoscopy unit — comprising a gastroscope and colonoscope — valued at J$34.6 million for KPH. Cornwall Regional and Black River hospitals will each receive a ventilator and incubator, valued at J$5.57 million and J$1.5 million, respectively.
Ms. Picart said she was moved to act after learning of the urgent need for modern medical equipment in Jamaica’s public hospitals.
“I think it’s just wanting to give back. In some ways, you’re always supposed to give back when you reach a place of accomplishment — and that’s all it is. At this point, it’s just being able to give good help,” she said.
Chief Executive Officer of KPH, Barrington Graham, and Executive Director of the NHEF, Courtney Cephas, both expressed appreciation to Ms. Picart, describing her donation as a significant contribution to improving healthcare delivery across Jamaica.
This nearly J$50 million gift is one of the most substantial individual donations to Jamaica’s public hospitals in recent years — a true reflection of the Jamaican spirit of giving back and community upliftment.
Would you like me to create a short social-media version (with hashtags and caption) or a Facebook-style graphic quote post next — maybe featuring Carol Picart’s quote, “You’re always supposed to give back when you reach a place of accomplishment”?