Health Ministry Reviewing Gift Policy

The Ministry of Health is moving to make it easier for overseas partners to make donations of equipment and services to the health sector, and that these contributions go to the areas of greatest need.

“The Ministry is now in the process of revising the gift policy and procedures and guidelines, to make it easier for us to receive, track and distribute gifts from our numerous partners around the globe,” said Portfolio Minister, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson.

 “This is expected to assist with efficiency and ensuring that equipment and supplies are sent to the areas that need them most,” he stated.

            Dr. Ferguson was addressing a handing over ceremony on the grounds of the St. Ann’s Bay Hospital on Tuesday (April 9), where two ambulances and medical supplies were presented to the facility by the United Kingdom-based Angel Foundation.

            The Health Minister pointed out that the aim of the review is to put in place an effective system for accepting, documenting and distributing all resources mobilised for the health sector; improve the framework within which donors operate and relate to the Ministry; enhance accountability and transparency in the resource mobilisation process; and to hold the 24 public hospitals and over 300 health centres across the country to accountability.

            He informed that to date, the Government has saved millions of dollars within the health sector, as a result of gifts received and the many health missions visiting the country.

By Bryan Miller, JIS Reporter