Massive Increase in Healthcare Budget Over Nine Years

The Government has increased the healthcare budget from $60 billion to $140 billion in nine years, says Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness.

Delivering his contribution to the 2025/2026 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on March 20, the Prime Minister said the funds have enabled more posts for nurses, increased hospital beds, and more posts for doctors.

“There are more hospital beds to come. There are more operating theatres, and more theatres will be built. Today, we accept we are not perfect, but we have come a far way since that time,” Dr. Holness noted.

The Prime Minister pointed to the infrastructure expansion in the sector, arguing that it has been the largest since Independence.

Dr. Holness emphasised that the system is being strengthened, as “we agree that prevention is better than cure”.

He reported that the pre-screening programme, ‘Know Your Numbers’, has, after a year and a half of operation, delivered over 220,000 tests.

“This is saving the lives of many Jamaicans, because as they know, they are able to take corrective action,” Dr. Holness told the House.

The Know Your Numbers campaign, a health initiative by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, aims to empower Jamaicans to proactively manage their health by monitoring key indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, ultimately reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and premature death.