Minister of Health, Dr Fenton Ferguson, says the contract which was signed last week for US$14 million (J$1.4 billion) to establish two cancer treatment centres represents the largest ever single investment in the health sector.

The contract was signed with the implementing agency, the National Health Fund, which is an agency of the Ministry of Health, and Varian Medical Systems, USA.

The two locations selected for the centres are the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, St James, and the St Joseph's Hospital in Kingston. Equipment for each site includes one linear accelerator, one CT simulator, one C-arm mobile x-ray unit and one brachytherapy machine with Treatment Planning System and related Quality Assurance equipment. Training is also included in the contract.

Speaking at the signing, Dr Ferguson said this initiative will positively impact the lives of hundreds of Jamaicans who seek care for cancer especially those who cannot afford such treatment.

"In Jamaica, there were 3,198 cancer deaths in 2010 accounting for 21 per cent of all deaths. Cancer affects all ages even our children. The LINACs will mean that the cost for cancer treatment will move from $1.8 million in the public sector without Government support to $0 for the most vulnerable," he said.

The National Health Fund is providing the bulk of the funds with a grant of US$10 million, the CHASE fund has provided a grant of US$4.5 million, and other partners including the Vincent HoSang Family Foundation have provided US$250,000.