A healthy nation leads to a wealthy nation: fix it!

Jamaica's public health-care workers are among the most resourceful in the world, using the most creative, innovative means to get the job done.

But without the proper structure and systems in place, including critical resources, how far can that ingenuity go before the health sector collapses?

With it being plainly obvious that prevention is better than cure, how can we implement effective strategies to prevent rather than treat, especially in light of the fact that chronic non-communicable diseases are on the increase?

Today, The Gleaner launches its 'Fixing Health' multi-media series - a special project presented in association with our partners Dr Alfred Dawes, president of the Jamaica Medical Doctors' Association; Dr Shane Alexis, president of the Medical Association of Jamaica; and Janet Farr, president of the Nurses' Association of Jamaica.

Over the next few months, our 'Fixing Health' partners will delve into critical issues affecting Jamaica's public-health sector; examine and analyse those challenges; conduct a SWOT analysis of the sector; while, at the same time, put forward viable, sustainable solutions and recommendations to resolve the problems and bring the sector on par with acceptable standards.

Each week, look out for thought-provoking views from the experts.

Email your feedback to: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com