Windsor Wellness offers subsidies for mammograms

As of 2020, the Jamaica Cancer Registry at The University of the West Indies, Mona, reported a surge in breast cancer cases, with 43 cases per 100,000 individuals annually. A substantial 20.2 per cent of the population was identified as being at risk of developing cancer before the age of 75.

Dr Alfred Dawes, through Windsor Wellness Centre which he founded, has taken proactive steps to address this issue by offering mammograms to women aged 40 and over. The initiative started on October 17.

"This is an experiment in corporate and social responsibility, modelled after the Aravind hospital group in India, which has a similar programme focused on cataract surgeries. They utilise proceeds from paid surgeries and volunteer efforts to subsidise the costs of cataract surgeries," explained Dawes. "We are attempting to determine if a similar model can succeed in Jamaica, where many vulnerable women cannot access mammogram services due to the lack of availability in the public health system and the prohibitive costs in the private sector."

He elaborated that this initiative has fostered partnerships, including with financial entity Morgan Capital, which has covered the expenses for some free mammograms. Radiologists have generously donated their time to interpret mammograms, and additional donors have stepped in to cover mammogram costs for the programme's duration.

"The concept is to combine corporate responsibility with a social responsibility on the part of women availing the service. Those who can afford to pay will do so, while leaving the subsidised and free slots for those who cannot. We've experienced an overwhelming response, necessitating an extension of booking slots into the first week of November. Due to the exceptional demand, we are now considering closing off bookings," Dawes explained.

"Many women who come in and pay, they pay extra and that goes to the subsidy aspect of the service to other women. That goes to show that Jamaicans are really caring at heart and we do look out for one another and I believe this is something that can be strengthened to provide other screening services, not just for breast cancer," he added.

The programme plans to administer more than 200 free mammograms. Up to October 24, 86 mammograms have been performed, four patients have been selected for additional investigation, and several reports are still pending. Given the enthusiastic response, Dawes suggested that next year's programme may expand, and organisers are considering extending similar concepts to other healthcare services.

"I think it works, it actually paid for itself and it's a part of the dream to provide screening services for as many persons as possible because that is the key to improving our healthcare in Jamaica," Dawes said.