Minister Chris Tufton highlights unprecedented achievements at JLP’s 81st Conference

Health and Wellness Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton has spotlighted the dramatic transformation of Jamaica’s public health system under the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) administration. 

Speaking at the party’s 81st Conference on Sunday, November 24, 2024, Dr. Tufton outlined the progress made since the JLP assumed office in 2016, contrasting the current state of healthcare with the challenges faced in 2015.

“In 2015, Jamaica’s public health system was in a state of crisis,” Dr Tufton noted. “When we took office, we committed to addressing those challenges head-on; today, we are delivering results.”

Record Investments in Healthcare

Dr. Tufton pointed to a dramatic increase in the national health budget, which has more than doubled from J$60 billion in 2016 to J$140 billion in 2024. These funds have fueled the most extensive expansion and modernization of Jamaica’s healthcare infrastructure in history.

Key Achievements

1. Hospital Upgrades:

Six major hospitals across Jamaica are undergoing significant renovations and expansions, including:

• Spanish Town Hospital
• Cornwall Regional Hospital
• Western Child and Adolescent Hospital (with support from the Chinese government)
• University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI)
• May Pen Hospital
• St Ann’s Bay Hospital

These projects, part of a USD $250 million investment, will deliver 30 new operating theatres, 500 additional beds, and cutting-edge facilities to serve the public better.

2. State-of-the-Art Equipment:

The upgrades include modern MRI machines, CT scans, and X-ray equipment, ensuring patients can access top-tier diagnostic services.

3. Expansion of the National Health Fund (NHF):

Over three million prescriptions for free or subsidized medication were written in 2023, up from just one million in 2015. The NHF now covers additional treatments, including cancer treatments and diagnostic tests, benefiting thousands of Jamaicans.

4. Community Health Center Upgrades:

Health centres across Jamaica have been modernized with air-conditioning, improved examination rooms, and enhanced staff facilities, providing more comfortable and efficient care to communities.

5. Digitalization of Public Health:

For the first time, Jamaica’s public health system is going digital. Patients’ medical records are now electronically managed, improving efficiency and reducing delays. “Go to MapRed or Spanish Town hospitals, and you’ll see the difference,” Dr. Tufton stated.

Actively Building Back Stronger

Dr. Tufton emphasized the JLP’s commitment to creating a stronger, more resilient healthcare system. “We are building back stronger, active, and strong under the JLP,” he said. “Our work is not done yet, but compared to 2015, the Jamaican people are already better off.”

The Minister also highlighted additional initiatives like Limb, New Life, which offers free prosthetics to Jamaicans, and the establishment of 75 dental health clinics providing free dentures for those in need. 

Looking Ahead

“We inherited a crisis, and today we are rebuilding a stronger health system that better serves the Jamaican people,” Dr. Tufton concluded. “As we continue to upgrade our infrastructure, modernize services, and expand access, we remain focused on ensuring Jamaicans have access to the best healthcare possible.”

Dr. Tufton closed by posing a question to the crowd: “Why would we ever want to go back to the days of 2015, when our health system was in such disarray? We are building a healthier, stronger Jamaica, and the JLP is committed to seeing this vision through.”