Health Minister Welcomes Support from VM Foundation

Health Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, is hailing the Victoria Mutual Foundation (VMF) for partnering with the Ministry in improving the nation’s public health system.

He noted that the collaboration has, so far, resulted in the VMF adopting the St. Jago Park Health Centre in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, under the Adopt-a-Clinic Initiative.

“We, in public health, are very happy that you have (agreed) to come on board to be part of this initiative, and we look forward to the work that will proceed from here on,” he noted.

The Minister was addressing the official launch of the VMF at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston on May 8.

Approximately 100 primary healthcare facilities are being targeted under the Adopt-a-Clinic Initiative, which was launched last year by the Jamaica 55 Charities Group United Kingdom (UK).

The aim is to mobilise Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora to provide support, whether in cash or kind, for these community health centres.

The diaspora group has already raised $5 million for the adoption of at least five clinics across the island.

“It is really an attempt to promote partnership at the primary healthcare level, which oftentimes we overlook, ignore and underestimate the importance of… to our detriment,” Dr. Tufton noted.

Established as the vehicle through which Victoria Mutual will positively transform the lives of Jamaicans globally, the Foundation has three areas of focus – leadership and nation building; youth empowerment; and health and family.

Under the health and family component, the VMF has pledged to support the Adopt-a-Clinic Initiative by facilitating contributions from Jamaicans locally and in the diaspora.

“We believe that by playing our part in these areas in a tangible way, we will, ultimately, be uplifting Jamaica and elevating our collective prospects for a better tomorrow,” said Chairman of the Victoria Mutual Group, Michael McMorris.

He pointed out that the Foundation will enable “efficiency in our philanthropic and social responsibility, ensuring dollars are spent more effectively on the areas that are more deserving”.

Mr. McMorris informed that the Foundation’s tagline of ‘Improving your quality of life’ represents a commitment of helping others achieve their true potential.

The Foundation’s Chairman, Courtney Campbell, assured that the organisation will actively seek to create a better life for all Jamaicans.