Health Ministry Allocated $6.43B Capital Budget for 2023/24

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has been provided with a capital budget of approximately $6.43 billion for fiscal year 2023/24.

This represents a 31 per cent increase over last year’s allocation, according to Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton.

He made the disclosure during his 2023/24 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives, on Wednesday (May 3).

Dr. Tufton, in providing a breakdown of programmed engagements in progress, said work on the Western Children and Adolescent Hospital in St. James has advanced to the fifth floor, with more than $450 million spent, so far, through a grant provided by the People’s Republic of China.

“We are slated for completion in 2025. When completed, the facility will boast the only adolescent hospital in the English-Speaking Caribbean and the second paediatric facility in the island,” he informed.

Regarding the Spanish Town Hospital, ground-breaking is scheduled for July 2023 at a contract price of some $6.4 billion to be spent over two years.

“We have almost completed the procurement process. This state-of-the-art, seven-storey, 100-bed facility will boast seven operating theatres, a new accident and emergency centre, a new pharmacy, and several other support services to include laboratory and other diagnostic services,” Dr. Tufton said.

He noted that consequent on these investments, the Spanish Town Hospital’s services will be expanded to include Cardiology, Haematology/Oncology, Ophthalmology, and Otolaryngology (ENT).

Dr. Tufton also advised that the Cornwall Regional Hospital’s renovation is in the final stages of completion.

“The final phase will commence in a month or two. There is a $14-billion expenditure associated with that and… we expect that we will begin to reoccupy the main building by the end of this year, right through the year 2024,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Tufton said there are several infrastructural improvements that go unnoticed, but are making a big impact on the quality of patient care, particularly at the primary healthcare level.

“These are stories that focus on improvements in patient waiting areas and staff facilities, and addition of basic equipment for improved patient response. These are stories that portray the benefits of partnerships for improved healthcare delivery,” he stated.

The Minister informed that since 2018, more than 100 health facilities islandwide have benefited from significant investments totalling approximately $4.4 billion, which have served to right-size and renew primary healthcare institutions.

Dr. Tufton also highlighted the Adopt-A-Clinic programme, which was launched in 2017 to help coordinate and direct support for the health system by persons in the diaspora and corporate Jamaica.

To date, more than 43 health centres have been adopted, with donations amounting to just under $200 million.