Health Sector in Minneapolis Commended for Missions to Jamaica

Members of the health sector in Minneapolis, Minnesota, have been commended for their missions to Jamaica, by Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Stephen Vasciannie.

The Ambassador also noted that their donation of medical equipment has helped to improve health care delivery in health institutions.

Mr. Vasciannie was delivering the keynote address at a dinner to recognise health practitioners drawn from the Hennepin County Medical Centre, Gillette Children’s Specialist Health Centre, Minnesota Children’s Hospital and Clinics, Mayo Clinic and the Minnesota School of Public Health, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Plymouth, Minneapolis, on May 11.

“I acknowledge the tremendous work – particularly in the field of healthcare – that you have been providing the health sector in Jamaica for the past six years. The country fully appreciates the contribution to our nation’s health sector, and we are truly grateful,” he said.

The Ambassador said that the Bustamante Children’s Hospital, the Kingston Public Hospital, Port Maria Hospital, Mandeville Regional Hospital, as well as patients have, over the past six years, benefited from medical assistance from the Minnesota health Sector.

He also spoke about opportunities for health tourism in the island, which could attract the participation of organisations and health institutions in Minnesota. “Government at this time is seeking public/private partnerships to develop this vital area,” Ambassador Vasciannie said.

The Ambassador mentioned some factors that have made Jamaica a good prospect for health tourism, including the global competitiveness of the country’s health services; quality and sustainability of its health service system; and the country’s much lower per capita cost for healthcare.

He also commended members of the Organization for Strategic Development in Jamaica (OSDJ), based in Minneapolis, organisers of the yearly health mission.

For his part, President of the OSDJ, Wayland Richards, said his organisation is playing a lead role in galvanising professionals in the Jamaican diaspora to help improve healthcare delivery in the island.

He explained that the organisation’s main objectives are: to promote the development of young Jamaicans through scholarship and vocational skills training; and to create a network among medical and dental professionals and institutions in the United States and Jamaica to help improve healthcare delivery in the island.

Contact: Derrick A. Scott