Jamaica Investing In Quality Healthcare

Jamaica is undertaking major expansion and rehabilitation of its health infrastructure, with new hospitals, upgraded facilities and 10 new health centres at various stages of development, says Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton.

Addressing the 63rd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Washington DC on Monday (September 28), the Minister said that the investments are part of Jamaica’s broader effort to strengthen the health system and improve access to specialist and primary care.

Among the major projects is the ongoing rehabilitation of Cornwall Regional Hospital and construction of a new Pediatric and Adolescent Hospital in St. James, and the development of a new acute-care and diagnostic wing at Spanish Town Hospital in St. Catherine.

“These investments will expand bed capacity and strengthen Jamaica’s ability to provide advanced diagnostic and specialist care,” Dr. Tufton told the regional health meeting.

At the primary-care level, 10 new health centres are also at various stages of completion, which will provide larger, better-equipped spaces capable of delivering comprehensive, patient-centred care closer to communities.

The Minister also highlighted efforts to strengthen Jamaica’s medical workforce. He said that following the development of the country’s Physician Workforce Model in 2023, physician staffing has increased by 45 per cent in primary care and 17 per cent in secondary care. The number of specialists working in Jamaica’s hospitals has also increased by more than 20 per cent.

Dr. Tufton said Jamaica is also incorporating greater climate resilience into its health infrastructure, particularly following Hurricane Melissa.

A total of 105 health centres in five affected parishes are being renovated or rebuilt using Smart Health Facilities standards, with some facilities also being expanded under the country’s Primary Health Care Reform programme.

The investments, Dr. Tufton said, are intended not only to restore damaged facilities but also to improve the health system’s ability to withstand future climate-related emergencies.

Minister Tufton also reported progress in Jamaica’s efforts to eliminate communicable diseases. He noted that the country has achieved and sustained validation for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.

Dr. Tufton pointed to improvements in immunisation and maternal and child health as further evidence of progress in the health sector. In 2025, Jamaica recorded more than 95 per cent immunisation coverage for BCG, Polio 3, DPT 3, Hib 3 and Hepatitis B 3, while MMR coverage reached 93 per cent.

In 2024, Jamaica achieved the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target for neonatal mortality, recording 11.1 deaths per 1,000 live births. Under-five mortality stood at 15.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, below the SDG target.

Dr. Tufton further reported that Jamaica has recorded a consistent decrease in maternal mortality since 2022, demonstrating the value of national investment supported by regional cooperation, and thanked PAHO Director, Dr Jarbas Barbosa da Silva Jr, the PAHO Jamaica Country Office and other partners for their continued technical assistance.

Looking ahead, Dr. Tufton said Jamaica would continue to focus on strengthening primary healthcare, expanding its specialist workforce, tackling non-communicable diseases, accelerating digital transformation, strengthening health security and building resilient health infrastructure.

“Jamaica remains firmly committed to Pan-American solidarity and to our shared goal of equitable, resilient and universal health for all,” he said.