Minister Spencer Wants More Private Investment in Health Care

The Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer, has reiterated that the Government welcomes and encourages private investment in the health sector, as it provides easier access to quality health care for the public.

The Minister, who was speaking at the official opening of the Hargreaves Memorial Hospital, in Mandeville, on Thursday (August 27), said that delivering quality health care is part of the mission laid down in Vision 2030.

“The new complex provides the consumer with choices, which is a fundamental precept of a free market economy,” the Minister remarked.

He said that the Government was committed to having a vibrant private health sector in Jamaica, that will push the country forward in achieving the objectives of Vision 2030, as well as the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals.

In congratulating the management of the Hargreaves Memorial Hospital, Mr. Spencer said the investment and addition to the facility will enhance customer and patient care to the people in Mandeville and its environs.

“The Prime Minister has said repeatedly, that this Administration is eager to explore public/private partnership opportunities. Any expansion to the private health sector offerings, presents an opportunity to strengthen partnerships in the sector, and could create the policy framework that will set the parameters for other partnerships,” he said.