Health Ministry Advances Work on Public/Private Partnership Policy

Health Minister, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, says the Ministry has undertaken significant work to develop a policy aimed at guiding public/private partnerships for effective public health care delivery.

He says work has already been undertaken in relation to areas, such as nutrition, while pointing to the provision of diagnostics and radiology services as others for consideration under the proposed arrangement.

The Minister made the announcement while addressing the 10^th anniversary dinner and awards ceremony for diagnostics firm, Island Radiology, at Club Hotel Riu, in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on June 21.

Meanwhile, Dr. Fenton Ferguson, again, underscored the need for the government and private sector to partner in delivering adequate quality health care, particularly in light of prevailing economic challenges.

“We believe that in a period of tight fiscal constraints, no government present or future will be able to take on all the responsibilities of (public) health (care delivery), alone,” he contended.

Dr. Ferguson pointed out that current public health care expenditure in Jamaica accounts for approximately 5.8 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP). Of this figure, he said the government finances three per cent of the cost, and the private sector – 2.8 per cent.

The Minister said recommendations tabled at a recent Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) meeting he attended, propose that government expenditure should cover approximately six per cent of overall costs.

He, however, argued that in light of Jamaica’s current economic challenges, a public/private partnership for this engagement is more practical and “very essential” approach to offsetting costs and delivering quality medical care.

Against this background, Dr. Ferguson commended the management of Island Radiology on their decision to invest in the provision of a much needed service.