Ministry Invites More Diaspora Health Missions
By: , June 19, 2024
Photo: Yhomo Hutchinson
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dunstan Bryan, addresses a session on ‘Transforming Jamaica’s Health System in Partnership with the Diaspora’ during the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay on Monday (June 17). He is flanked by Sector Lead for Health and Wellness in the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC), Dr. Gary Rhule (left), and member of the Jamaica Nurses Group in New York, United States (US), Claudette Powell.The Full Story
The Ministry of Health and Wellness is encouraging overseas Jamaicans in the healthcare profession, particularly those in specialist areas, to partner with local agencies and organisations to conduct health missions as part of their service to their homeland.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dunstan Bryan, made the call during Monday’s (June 17) session of the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, which is being held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.
He said that health missions “are so critical to the work that we do in health”.
“We can’t compete with the salary that a specialist would earn [overseas] and what we ask for is missions. Last year alone, missions contributed approximately US$8.5 million from over 200 missions,” Mr. Bryan said.
He noted that the Ministry is focused on a patient-centric approach to health, which emphasises healthcare in all stages of life as part of measures to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Responding to a question from United States (US)-based Special Educator, Sharon Barrett, on how persons with her skill can help the country, Mr. Bryan noted that supporting children with autism is one area where they can assist.
He said that persons can liaise with the Ministry of Education and Youth, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to support interventions.
“Come the summer when the teachers are on break, offer training programmes in dealing with children with autism; those are powerful ways to intervene,” the Permanent Secretary told his audience.
Persons wishing to organise health missions are advised to contact one of the following officials in the Ministry – Regional Director, Regional Technical Director, Medical Officer (Health), or the Parish Manager.
They should provide information such as the proposed date and services to be delivered in as much detail as possible, at least six to eight weeks before the planned date of arrival.
The volunteer group or individual should have a local contact, the name and address of whom should be submitted to the Ministry.
The Diaspora Conference is being held from June 16 to 19, under the theme ‘United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Productivity, and Youth Empowerment’ and serves as a pivotal platform for engaging the Jamaican diaspora on initiatives aimed at national development and societal progress.