Britanya Moore/Contributor

Residents across Manchester and neighboring parishes are welcoming the introduction of colonoscopy services at the Mandeville Regional Hospital, describing it as a major step forward for public healthcare in central Jamaica.

Hospital administrators confirmed that the diagnostic procedure used to detect colorectal cancer, polyps and other gastrointestinal conditions is now being offered at the Type B facility, reducing the need for patients to travel to Kingston or seek costly private care.

Wayne Chen, chairman of the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), described it as a valuable addition to the hospital’s services.

“Any new service that we can offer in the public health system is a good thing,” Chen said. “A colonoscopy in private practice can cost approximately J$100,000, but in the public system it is provided free of cost. This is an important screening tool for colon cancer, which claims the lives of many Jamaicans each year.”

He added that the service strengthens the hospital’s capacity to provide comprehensive care to patients in central Jamaica.

For years, many patients in Manchester, St Elizabeth and Clarendon were referred to hospitals in the Corporate Area or private institutions for the specialized screening. The addition of the service at Mandeville Regional is expected to ease financial strain on families and shorten waiting times for critical testing.

Retired teacher Icyval Campbell said the development brings peace of mind.

“Colonoscopy expensive when you haffi go private,” Bennett said. “Knowing that it now available in the public system right here in Mandeville is a big relief, especially for pensioners like me.”

Medical practitioners have long emphasized the importance of early screening for colorectal cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the region. The Ministry of Health and Wellness reported approximately 800 cases in 2020 alone. Health officials say early detection significantly improves survival rates, making accessibility to testing crucial.

A senior nurse at the hospital said staff members have undergone additional training to ensure the service meets required clinical standards.

“This is something the community really needed. We are seeing more patients with gastrointestinal complaints, and early investigation can save lives,” she said.

Residents also pointed to the convenience factor, noting that transportation costs and travel time to Kingston often discouraged some persons from following through on referrals.

Hospital administrators have indicated that appointments will be scheduled through referrals from medical officers, and are encouraging patients to consult their doctors about eligibility for screening.

As word spreads about the expanded service, many residents in Manchester are hopeful that continued investment in regional hospitals will strengthen Jamaica’s public health system and improve access to specialized care outside the capital.