200 Health Missions Visit Jamaica

Health Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says Jamaica received 200 health missions last year, which contributed more than $3 billion in pharmaceutical supplies and equipment to the public health sector.

Addressing members of the Jamaica Diaspora Northeast United States Regional Conference on June 11, at the Hilton New York JFK Airport hotel in Queens. Dr. Tufton expressed gratitude, saying that the Government and the Ministry of Health welcome all partnerships for the delivery of quality health care in Jamaica.

“I want to laud the charitable organisations and missions which continue to give invaluable contribution and support to the health sector, as well as saving the Government millions of dollars in expenditure annually,” the Minister said.

Dr. Tufton pointed out that no government can, by itself, provide all the services necessary for the optimal health of all persons who require care.

“This is why the partnerships between charitable organisations and health missions are so critical,” he said.

The Minister expressed the view that the number of health missions to Jamaica could increase if it is made easier for them to enter the country, so he has given instructions to review the Secretariat within the Ministry that has responsibility for overseeing health missions.

Dr. Tufton said the review will remove all the obstacles for the missions to come and offer their services in the country.

He said the Ministry will be launching an ‘adopt a clinic’ programme, whereby individuals and organisations will be invited to adopt a clinic, which will give them the opportunity to assist with the maintenance and upkeep of the facility.

The Minister urged members of the diaspora to participate in the programme.