Health Sector Reform Programme Allocated $25.3 Million

The Health Sector Reform Programme has been allotted $25.3 million in the 2004/05 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives.
The allocation will be used to continue the implementation of the Health Sector Reform Programme, which seeks to improve the efficiency, equity and quality of healthcare, in addition to improving the financial sustainability of the sector.
A joint effort of the Ministry of Health and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the programme commenced in September 1997.
Up to December 2003, a number of targets were met under the programme, including the passage of the National Health Service Act (1997); the establishment of four Regional Health Authorities; the development of a contributory pension plan for staff employed to these entities; the training and transferring of enrolled assistant nurses to community colleges; and the development of a strategic plan for mental health, in addition to one for the Standards and Regulation Division.
Furthermore, the programme has also fulfilled its target of establishing Drug Serv outlets by Health Corporation Limited at hospitals in the Southern Region, and developing an appointment system for clients at specialist clinics at the Kingston Public Hospital.
The Ministry also procured tools for regional maintenance units and is in the process of the privatization of morgues at Type C hospitals.
Anticipated targets for 2004/05 include the implementation of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) pilots; the procurement of more tools for regional maintenance units; and the institutionalization of the quality assurance training.