Grenada is no doubt making advances in many areas as a small nation and while some sectors are lagging behind others the general hope is that soon all sectors will be making the kind of strides that will take us on par with the rest of the developing world or even the more developed countries.

MR. DOMINIQUE PAUL

We all observe closely and anticipate development and modernization of the Agriculture, Tourism, Financial, Information Technology and all the other sectors and appreciate where we see growth or the potential for growth.

However all agree that for a country to really claim growth and development one of the key sectors that must lead the way is the Health Sector since so much depends on the quality of health services available to locals and visitors alike.

A LEAP OF FAITH

When Mr. Dominique Paul launched Spice Island Imaging Center two years ago this was exactly his thinking, that Grenada ought to be able to provide the level and quality of medical services that are necessary in any developing country.

Paul knew that he could not transform the entire medical sector but he would certainly wade in and make a difference in the area that he was trained to handle, that of imaging, (scans).

For this Grenadian who was enjoying a successful career in the United States this took courage, confidence in himself, faith in his people and love for his country. Today he has absolutely no regrets.

Despite the derision and discouragement of his colleagues in the US when he made the decision to come back home he is proud to make his contribution to the best of his ability and feels a sense of fulfillment that he is doing something worthwhile. Paul’s friends in North America could not understand why he should leave that environment where there is lots of money to be made and return home to a very challenging environment.

His view was if it is not challenging then it is hardly worth doing. He also thought that if he could make such a contribution over there then why not here in his homeland?

TWO YEARS LATER

As a new business in more ways than one Spice Island Imaging Center has faced its fair share of challenges and tests but Paul focuses on the positive, the achievements and the difference he is making.

To him the main thing is the service that the facility provides for the patients who visit it. He reflected that in the past patients had to travel to Trinidad or elsewhere for those services and depending on the condition of the patient travel was impossible until that patient was stabilized.

This of course resulted in the loss of valuable time during which a lot could happen, even death.

He said being able to make being able to make quick and early diagnosis is very critical to many conditions such as stroke. He explained that there are two different types of stroke but that the symptoms can appear the same.

However since the treatment for each is quite different and treating one for the other can make the problem worse, determining which stroke it is, is quite crucial in the early stage.

He mused, “could you imagine someone suffering a stroke and has to wait to travel to Trinidad to determine which type of stroke it is. By then the narrow window for treatment can be lost and obviously death or irreversible paralysis can occur, therefore Spice Isle Imaging Center has been able to make significant headway in this area.

RECOGNIZABLE BENEFITS TO THE COUNTRY

Several benefits to the country through the provision of this service can be readily established and one of them is the retaining of scarce financial resources into Grenada that would have otherwise gone to another country if these imaging services were not available here. In addition scans at Spice Island Imaging are cheaper than anywhere else in the world, a claim Paul is ready and able to back up with facts and figures. This of course results in significant savings to Grenadians needing such services.

The main benefit to himself in Paul’s view lies in the satisfaction of being able to help people in addition to employing three full time staff members and one part time.

WORLD CUP CRICKET

Now that Cricket World Cup 2007 is swiftly approaching Paul hopes to be in a better position in terms of location to provide any service that may be needed during that time.

He said he has had a real challenge finding a suitable location to which to relocate with adequate parking, waiting room etc. He said the Local Organizing Committee of Cricket World Cup has mentioned the need for relocation but finding the ideal place is not the easiest thing and he has been in a number of negotiations concerning different areas for relocation.

Certainly however, Paul is determined that Spice Island Imaging will be in a position to provide whatever services it is called upon to deliver during World Cup.

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ANALYZING SCAN RESULTS LOCALLY VS ABROAD

At present the detailed reading of scans is done by a specialist in Trinidad. Paul explained that a specialist is required to do the detailed reading and it is to be done here one will have to be brought in.

He gives the assurance though and if a scan reveals anything serious the patient’s doctor is informed right away so there is no delay in treatment.

Regarding the official interpretation he is working to improving the turnaround time which is already admirable as it is.

He explained, results are usually available by the next day, two days if there is a delay. In addition there is a network of specialists working on his behalf all over the world. If the specialist in Trinidad thinks that a certain case is beyond him he will call for the input of another specialist in the US or elsewhere and get the results back in minutes.

BENEFITS TO THE TORISM INDUSTRY

It is obvious to Paul that if we are marketing Grenada as tourist destination we have to upgrade our medical facilities. In fact patients do come to from the cruise ships from time to time and they are able to communicate positive findings to the ship’s doctors and let them know the nature of the illness. In one case the patient needed surgery right away.

Therefore having a facility such as Spice Island Imaging serves to enhance to tourism product.

THE WAY FORWARD

Paul thinks that government shares the vision for improved medical services but this being a small island where medicine is socialized it puts an immense strain on the country.

It would then take private investors to provide the health service needed here. He envisions providing more services in the field. An example is the area of mammography which patients still have to travel abroad for and sometimes when a breast cancer is discovered it has already spread to the chest or liver thereby shortening the life span of the individual.

Paul hopes by the middle of this year to be providing mammography. He however wishes that other Grenadians living abroad with the necessary skills would share his dream.

He said he has been encouraging colleagues to come back here so together they can multiply the services.
MRI services for example he said is needed here but the equipment is extremely expensive. If more people would return home they pool their resources and make Grenada a place where people will be coming to for medical services.

Grenadians living abroad will also be more willing to return home since many of them require lifelong medical services that are not available here.

GOVERNMENT’S ROLE

Make it easier to source medical equipment. Paul said from his experience the atmosphere around the people who grant concessions is less than friendly.

However the services are important and the equipment are expensive so concessions will go a long way and government should review this.

CONCLUSION

To Paul there is no greater joy than providing a service for your own people and you feel a great sense of fulfillment when somebody comes in with a condition and you can make an accurate diagnosis and help the person.

Spice Island Imaging Center is here to make its contribution to the medical sector in Grenada and it is doing so with dedication and commitment. It is therefore making its contribution to the overall development of the country.