Gov’t to Conduct Review of Regional Health Authorities

A five-member committee has been established to examine and review the work and performance of the island’s four Regional Health Authorities.
Minister of Health and Environment, Rudyard Spencer, who made the announcement at the (Oct. 17) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, said that the review, which will be completed within the next six weeks, will determine among other things, if there is a need for institutional strengthening of the authorities.
Mr. Spencer noted that while he has not received any negative reports about the authorities, and the government has no intention to disband the structure, as a new administration, it is practical to carry out an assessment and evaluation to determine how best to move the institution forward.
“The concept of Regional Health Authorities is healthy and sound. It is a good concept because it allows you to bring health care closer to the people. It allows for the Ministry of Health to play a monitoring role to ensure that this is done. The government has not taken the position on disbanding the authorities,” he stated.
In the meantime, he said that the committee will comprise of representatives from the Ministry of Health and Environment, the private sector, a private medical practitioner, a nurse, an actuary and a management consultant. The names of the members will be announced on Friday (Oct. 19).
The Regional Health Authorities were established in 1997 under the Health Service Act to decentralize the health care system in Jamaica.