Geriatric Clinics to Be Established In St. Ann, St. Catherine

Geriatric clinics will be launched in the parishes of St. Ann and St. Catherine this year as part of the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ efforts to strengthen elder care in the country.

Making his contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 12, Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said that the intention is to build out a regime, a policy approach, to dealing with persons over 60 and the particular needs that they have.

The facilities will be situated at a community and district health centre.

Pointing out that healthy aging must involve family and community, Dr. Tufton said the initiative will be undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the National Council for Senior Citizens, and local government and community organisations.

He indicated that the country has a population of approximately 375,000 Jamaicans, 60 years and over, pointing out that that number is expected to grow to 400,000 by 2030.

“[It] is growing at a faster rate than birth rates and other age categories. The truth is, we are experiencing a demographic shift that is going to require significant more attention for persons who are 60 years and over, particularly the context in which most have at least one non-communicable disease (NCD) and in many cases, multiple lifestyle-related diseases.

“These are our aunts, our mothers, and indeed, in this house, many of us, some of us. It’s time to consider this as a serious issue,” he said.