Royal Medical Centre

THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | F3 ROYALE MEDICAL 25TH ANNIVERSARY Z ACHARIAH NEPAUL, father of Evan O. Nepaul, purchased a piece of land, at 10 Lewis Street, Savanna-la-Mar, while Evan was still in medical school, (UWI) with a vision that one day Evan may establish a private medical office in his hometown. Ironically, this was just across from a house that Evan would do his homework after completing his chores of cutting grass with his brother for his dad’s cattle most evenings. During his postgraduate DM in obstetrics & gynaecology at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital, just after the horrific Hurricane Gilbert in September 1988, Dr Nepaul had to complete more than a 60-hour debut, being the only resident on duty. He was, however, rewarded and was excited to get the offer of a double sponsorship post in England by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. There he served for three years. While in Britain, Dr Nepaul was requested by the principal medical officer at the then Ministry of Health to work as a consultant in Ob/Gyn at the Cornwall Regional Hospital with the late Dr Barry Dixon. He accepted the post, though his vision was to work in Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in his hometown. As God would have had it, in a matter of days, the then head of the Ob/ Gyn Department at Savanna-la-Mar Hospital requested a transfer to Spanish Town, leaving the post vacant. He was immediately given the post and worked there until his retirement from government service in 2016. During this period, he was the head of obstetrics and gynaecology and also served for four years as senior medical officer. In June 1996, Dr Nepaul and his wife established the Royale Medical Centre and Hospital, initially as a private facility for outpatient, maternity and gynaecology care, but gradually expanded to cover most specialties. It pioneered the provision of ultrasound, colposcopy, and laparoscopic service in the parish. The centre has since evolved and now serves the public in various fields of medicine, in outpatient clinics, and Royale Hospital. In 2001 an imaging centre was added, providing other radiology services such as ultrasound, mammography and CT scans. Recently, the imaging centre partnered with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) to offer diagnostic services to the public hospital patients. Dr Nepaul and Mrs Nepaul continue, along with a team of very dedicated surgeons, medical practitioners, technicians, paramedical team, administrative and other support staff, to work assiduously to keep the centre current. The company’s philosophy is, ‘With God as our guide to provide optimal care, to all who use the facility, with integrity, and without prejudice, bearing in mind that it is not just about profits, but that of making lives profitable’. Our mission is: By employing caring, dedicated and knowledgeable staff, the centre seeks to: 1. Use knowledge and expertise to diagnose, treat and prevent illnesses/diseases; 2. Keep staff motivated through training and self-actualisation; 3. Be one of the best private healthcare facilities in Jamaica; 4. Increase our profitability through honesty and integrity by treating all clients equally; 5. To provide, for both staff and patients, an environment in which both can exist with mutual respect and understanding, being mindful that ‘Together Everyone Achieves More’. (Note the acronym TEAM) The company’s reach is not confined to locals only, but includes patients from the USA, Canada, Grand Cayman, other West Indian islands, and as far as the UK and Germany. Tourists from hotels in Negril, Whitehouse, St Elizabeth and Montego Bay are frequently referred for diagnostic services, consultation, surgery and emergency care. During its 25-year journey, the company experienced many challenges, but was able to maintain its stance through determination and hard work from all its associate doctors and employees. The company employs approximately 34 full-time staff, complemented by nurses from the public hospital who are called in on sessions. Our vision, in the near future, is to complete this one-stop facility, with the installation of an MRI machine, to further enhance the services offered. We hope to explore more in health tourism and increase our partnership with the public sector. In keeping with our philanthropic obligation to society, our community and surrounding environs, we offer affordable rates to our clients and make an extra effort to accommodate them when finances become an issue to their receiving care. We are delighted to play such an important part in the quest to provide health and happiness to our parish and surrounding environs, and to the public at large. Over the years, some of the awards received include: a) The Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce ROYALE MEDICAL CENTRE HOW IT ALL STARTED The late Governor General Sir Howard Cooke cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony of Royale Medical Centre in Savanna-la-Mar on June 1, 1996. Looking on are proprietors Dr Evan Nepaul and his wife, Mrs Theresa Nepaul. PLEASE SEE STARTED, F5 In June 1996, Dr Nepaul and his wife established the Royale Medical Centre and Hospital, initially as a private facility for outpatient, maternity and gynaecology care, but gradually expanded to cover most specialties. It pioneered the provision of ultrasound, colposcopy, and laparoscopic service in the parish. The centre has since evolved and now serves the public in various fields of medicine, in outpatient clinics, and Royale Hospital.