Regional Health Authorities on Agenda for Reform

The functions of the Regional Health Authorities will be among the issues put under the microscope, when the Ministry of Health begins discussions on health care reform.

Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, told members of the Jamaica Association of Health Service Executives (JAHSE) on Wednesday, March 13, that he intends to undertake the process of health care reform and will soon be engaging them in discussions on the modalities of this reform.

“Issues that we need to seriously consider include the functions of the Regional Health Authorities, how we can efficiently utilize our resources, including pharmaceuticals; the use of technology; and improved monitoring and evaluation,” Dr. Ferguson said.

He said that as executives of the health sector, they have an important role to play in making this venture a success and bring the country closer to meeting its National Development Plan, Vision 2030.

“Your co-operation and deep involvement in this movement is essential for us to achieve our goals. I know that you have had to work in very difficult circumstances and the difficulties will remain for some time to come. However, I am proud to be working with a team that despite the odds, has been able to produce some of the best results,” the Minister said.

Vision 2030 Jamaica is the country’s first long-term national development plan, which aims at enabling Jamaica to achieve developed country status by 2030. It is based on a comprehensive vision: “Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.”

The association was having its quarterly luncheon at the Hotel Four Seasons in Kingston, where it presented University of Technology student, Naidia Cooke-Raymond, with a scholarship valued at $100,000.

Mrs. Cooke-Raymond, who works at the Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny, is pursuing a Masters degree in Health Services Administration.

“I am very honoured and grateful to receive the scholarship. I am so very appreciative of what the association has done to help me in propelling my education. It is a big help and I hope that I will make everybody proud,” she told JIS News.

The JAHSE is a broad-based organisation that provides a place for people in health care administration/management, at all levels and with different business and professional background and experience, to network.