Montego Bay Comprehensive Health Centre to be Expanded

The Government has announced plans to expand the Type V Montego Bay Comprehensive Health Centre in St. James as part of the ongoing commitment to enhance and develop Jamaica’s primary healthcare facilities.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the announcement while touring the Centre on Monday (January 8).

He indicated that under the guidance of Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, the Government is poised to acquire property adjacent to the health centre, to pave the way for the growth of this vital facility, which recorded more than 67,000 visits in 2023.

“So, what it means is that the capacity for early intervention in health crises will be expanded in our primary care,” Mr. Holness stated.

He said the Government is attuned to the ongoing healthcare challenges experienced in St. James where approximately $400 million was spent over the past five years to provide quality services to the residents.

This was also bolstered by the acquisition of 16 new ambulances for the Western Region.

“For the first time, governments can make, not just short-term allocations but we can make massive long-term budget commitments to help. Once [this health centre expansion] is done, we would have moved our healthcare [services] from one level to another. Also, when the Cornwall Regional Hospital comes on stream, the quality of healthcare is going to be moved to another level,” Mr. Holness stated.

The Montego Bay Clinic expansion aligns with the Administration’s broader strategy of improving primary healthcare infrastructure across the island.

Meanwhile, Mr. Holness disclosed that ground is slated to be broken later this month for “extensive upgrade, refurbishing and construction of new buildings” at the Spanish Town Hospital in St. Catherine.

Additionally, he said there are plans to construct two new state-of-the-art Type 5 health clinics in the parish – one in Portmore and the other in Old Harbour.

“So, my tour today is just to shine a spotlight on the investments that we’re making in our primary healthcare, as well, and to give all Jamaicans the assurance that your healthcare is our primary concern, and we are doing what is necessary to improve access and quality,” Prime Minister Holness underscored.

In his remarks, Dr. Tufton highlighted the Montego Bay Health Centre’s significance in St. James, noting that its expansion is expected to bolster the nation’s overall health standards.

Additionally, he said based on existing and impending strategic investments, Jamaica’s healthcare landscape is poised for a transformative shift, pointing out that “we’re doing the work and people are getting served”.