$262 Million to Bolster Capabilities to Deliver Critical Health Services

A sum of $262.5 million has been set aside in the 2014/15 Estimates of Expenditure, currently before the House of Representatives, to bolster the Ministry of Health’s capabilities to deliver critical services.

The larger share of the sum, $162.5 million, will go towards the Disease Prevention and Control project, with the main objectives being to provide financial assistance through a compassionate grant to individuals to assist with treatment; and facilitate oversight of the implementation of the Cancer Control Strategic Plan.

Anticipated targets for this year include: establishment of a Secretariat to provide planning oversight for implementation of Cancer Control Action Plan; provide a minimum of 50 persons with grants for treatment; construction of sanitary facilities for the indigent; and allowing 40 Jamaican medical students studying in Cuba to obtain experience in local health facilities.

Meanwhile, the remaining sum  of $100 million will be used to purchase two X-Ray Units and accessories to be installed in public health facilities.

The projects are being financed by the National Health Fund (NHF).