Several pieces of medical equipment valued at $9M were handed over for the University Hospital of the West Indies by Guardian Life, during an official ceremony on the hospital's grounds last Wednesday.

Minister of Health, Dr Fenton Ferguson said the event marked the continuation of a fruitful public/ private partnership.

"I want to thank Guardian Life Limited for their support which, once again, shows strong public private partnership in health. As I recommend that more attention be placed on health education and prevention, we also recognise the challenges we face in the health sector.

"Guardian Life Limited, along with several other companies, chose to promote healthy lifestyle through physical activity, and also to partner with the University Hospital of the West Indies to provide well-needed equipment to the facility. We are very happy for this support" Dr Ferguson said.

Among the equipment handed over were autoclaves, ventilator, MRI compatible pulse oximeters, debfibrillator, vital signs monitors, ultrasound probes, and water cooler.

Areas receiving items are Radiology, the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the main operating theatre, the Intensive Care Unit, Cardiology and Accident and Emergency.

Guardian Life Limited hosted its inaugural 5K night run in 2014 under the theme 'Keep it Alive' and saw over 6,000 participants. The proceeds from the event were used to purchase the equipment.