Quality Primary Health Care Remains A Priority – Dr. Ferguson

Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, has emphasized that the delivery of quality primary health care is a priority for the Government of Jamaica.

He also pointed out that Jamaica is working to significantly reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NDCs), while remaining mindful for the need to protect the populace from other ailments.

Dr. Fenton made the disclosure during talks with Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Stephen Vasciannie, while on a visit to the Jamaican Embassy in Washington D.C. on Friday (Oct. 4).

In updating Ambassador Vasciannie on other developments within the Jamaican health sector, the Health Minister expressed appreciation for the contributions made by various medical teams from the United States and other countries, noting that these donations have helped to enhance health care in Jamaica.

The Minister said that at the international level, Jamaica continues to be active in promoting the country’s health interests within the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO), and in other fora.

In his meeting with the Ambassador, Minister Ferguson underlined the importance of keeping health care issues on the agenda of economic development in the country.

Ambassador Vasciannie, his remarks, noted that Minister Ferguson has worked to ensure that Jamaica, while ranked as an upper middle income country, is not deprived of international assistance in the area of health care.

Dr. Ferguson led a delegation to Washington DC for the 52^nd Directing Council meeting of PAHO, held from September 30 to October 4.