UHP donates Diagnostic and Laboratory equipment to Grenada’s General Hospital

File: SGU

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 1, 2011 - Urban Humanitarian Projects (UHP) announced on Monday that approximately $25,000 worth of new diagnostic tools and supplies were delivered to Grenada General Hospital.

UHP's donation included a rack loader for Bio-Rad D-10 automated hemoglobin analyzer, a Liquiprep L-500 Centrifuge, two fetal dopplers, a pulse oximeter, a fetal monitor, and additional supplies to stock the diagnostic laboratory.

Students at St. George’s University (SGU) chose the General Hospital as the beneficiary of a fundraiser event that was hosted by UHP on March 12, 2011. The event, organized in partnership with the school’s honor society, Iota Epsilon Alpha, was a massive Nintendo Wii video game tournament on campus. With generous support from students, faculty, local businesses, and the school’s Chancellor, Dr. Charles Modica, over $28,000 was raised to purchase medical equipment for the hospital.

In the months that followed the event, UHP’s project coordinators Sachin Amin and Angeline Rubasingham, who are also medical students at SGU, worked closely with the hospital to compile a list of equipment to purchase. Items were selected based on data collected from departments at the hospital and also on information gathered from individuals that lived on the island.

“We chose to focus more on screening and diagnostic equipment because early detection and treatment monitoring will not only decrease the mortality but also the morbidity associated with chronic diseases like diabetes,” said Mr. Amin.

According to data published by Grenada’s Ministry of Health, diabetes is one of the major cause of death on the island. Although there are many reasons for this statistic, one issue faced by many citizens is the limited access to quality health care. Grenada General Hospital, funded by the Grenadian government, is the main community health center that serves the public. Unfortunately, the hospital is limited in its resources and many individuals may not be able receive care in a timely manner. UHP attempts to somewhat enhance this situation with the newly donated Bio-Rad D10 Rack Loader, which will greatly increase efficiency by allowing the laboratory to analyze blood samples from up to 50 patients at one time.

The donation also included items to restock the laboratory for many routine tests and equipment to enhance prenatal and neonatal care. These supplies will allow the hospital to screen and diagnose conditions like Dengue fever, peptic ulcer disease, anemia, syphilis, and renal disease for several months. Similarly, the fetal dopplers and monitor will provide physicians the information necessary to diagnose and treat conditions that are unique to pregnant mothers and newborns.

“This donation, made possible by the SGU community, will influence the lives of thousands of Grenadians over the next few years. We are grateful for everyone who supported this cause, especially Dr. Charles Modica, who donated $14,000 to the fundraiser,” added Ms. Rubasingham.

Dr. Modica, SGU's Chancellor, has been supporting UHP generously over the past year by matching all fundraisers held at the university. Over the past year, UHP and the SGU community raised approximately $100,000 for humanitarian projects worldwide.

UHP is a New York based nonprofit organization that operates under the fiscal sponsorship of FJC. The organization focuses on improving health and education in urban communities through giving, mentorship, and fundraising campaigns.