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Give KPH respect

Published:Tuesday | January 15, 2019 | 12:00 AM

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Jamaica mourns the loss of Zandrea Bailey, a top 10 finalist in the 2014 Miss Universe Jamaica competition. In a Gleaner interview published in 2014, Zandrea told the enthralling story of her battle with the dreaded autoimmune disease, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) - the disease that would eventually claim her life.

Throughout her chilling story, the point that resonated most with me - other than Zandrea's resilience and her dad's attentiveness to her care - was the fact that after previous encounters with other, more luxurious health institutions, she went full circle to receiving treatment at Jamaica's healthcare Mecca, Kingston Public Hospital (KPH). It was at KPH that she received treatment, and from where she recuperated before going on to audition for the Miss Universe Jamaica competition.

The 243-year-old hospital has soldiered over the years in spite of short staffing, structural damage and limited resources. Despite these hurdles, KPH remains among the island's elites in the delivery of quality healthcare.

Sadly, similar to Zandrea's case, numerous stories have been told by clients who were turned away from other facilities because of the prohibitive cost of care.

Despite being plagued with a chronic shortage of staff, overcrowded wards, lack of resources and low budget, KPH continues to work miracles in its healthcare delivery - not only to the residents in downtown, but to persons from all walks of life.

Kudos, KPH!

GEORGE N. CAMPBELL

george.ncampbell@hotmail.com