IN HIGHLIGHTING the severe impact of epilepsy in Jamaica, Minister of Health, John Junor said funds have been approved for the purchase of a new specialised Video EEG machine for improving the treatment of the chronic disease.
Minister Junor said funds for the purchase of the specialised equipment were approved through the recently implemented National Health Fund (NHF). The new state-of-the-art equipment, which will be placed at the Andrews Memorial Hospital in Kingston, will enable simultaneous recordings of electrical activity in the brain and at the same time videotape the patient.
With this information, the Minister explained that doctors would be able to "determine from where in the brain the epilepsy arises and therefore be better able to manage the condition either on drugs or a simple surgery." But most importantly, Mr. Junor emphasised that "this evaluation will be available to everyone in the island (and) ...will be at no extra cost to the poor, but patients of means will bear the cost of this evaluation."
Additionally the Minister said because of the seriousness of the disease, the Ministry of Health had included it among the 14 chronic diseases covered under the NHF. Between 25 and 50 per cent of the cost for epileptic medication will be subsidised under the Fund. Approximately 50,000 persons are affected by epilepsy in Jamaica. It is said to be the second most common primary neuro-psychiatric disorder next to depression.
Minister Junor pointed out that "in our society where the levels of intentional and unintentional injuries are high, this is contributing to the number of persons with epilepsy." He noted that many persons are born with the disease, but there was a growing number of persons who acquire the disease as a result of physical injury, that is, severe blow to the head.
The centre will be the only one of its kind in the Caribbean and will be available to offer services in epilepsy care to other countries in the region.
