The health sector has been undergoing comprehensive infrastructure improvements with the rehabilitation of facilities islandwide, an increase in the number of positions for healthcare professionals and the revision of critical legislation.
Combined, these actions are expected to increase service quality, eliminate employment by contract and provide better working arrangements.
Several campaigns have been launched by the Ministry of Health and Wellness to empower Jamaicans to manage their health and reduce their vulnerability to non-communicable diseases. Two such programmes have been the ‘Jamaica Moves’ and ‘Know Your Numbers’ campaigns.
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Health Sector Capabilities Bolstered
Government investments in the health sector bolstered its capabilities to provide quality services to Jamaicans.
Billions were spent to upgrade health facilities, increase access to pharmaceuticals, acquire equipment and combat non-communicable diseases.
Combined, these actions are expected to increase service quality, expand access to medications and provide better working arrangements.
The subsidy for drugs was expanded for the over 35,000 National Health Fund (NHF) cardholders and the more than 21,000 beneficiaries of the Jamaica Drug for the Elderly Programme (JADEP). Five new health conditions were added to the subsidised NHF Card Programme at a cost of about $450 million, from which over 47,000 Jamaicans will benefit.
Upgraded Health Facilities
The Moneague Health Centre in St. Ann was refurbished at a cost of $26 million to benefit over 30,000 patients.
The Mandeville Comprehensive Health Centre in Manchester was upgraded to offer improved services and retrofitted with additional safety features to be more resilient to natural disasters.
A new $29 million energy-efficient boiler system was installed at the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital in Westmoreland.
Other Improvements
$500 million was allocated to each of the four regional health authorities (RHAs) for infrastructure improvement and equipment replacement.
The Kingston Public Hospital’s (KPH) renal unit received 10 new hemodialysis machines, valued over $30 million, from the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund.
Two ambulances and a panel van were acquired at a cost of more than $33 million to serve the parishes of St. Ann, St. Mary and Portland.
Tackling NCDs
Thousands of people across the island benefitted from free health checks under the ‘Know Your Numbers’ campaign, as the Government seeks to lower the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in communities.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness launched the Nutrition Facts Panel Media Campaign to help consumers make healthier food choices.
A Physical Activity and Pregnancy Guide was produced to reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, postpartum depression, and caesarean delivery.
