More support from US agency to private sector COVID-19 response
Published:Saturday | February 26, 2022 | 12:10 AMAinsworth Morris/Staff Reporter
In an effort to boost the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ outsourcing of vaccination administration plan, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded grants totalling US$600,000 to nine private-sector healthcare providers.
These nine private-sector providers are: Health Connect Jamaica, Fontana Pharmacy, Fair Medical and Dermatology Centre, Erudite Medical Centre, HealthPlus Pharmacy Limited, Bethel Baptist Church, Windsor Wellness Centre, Online Medics and Vein Centers of Jamaica.
The grants were formally handed over on Friday at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.
The grants form part of a larger effort by the USAID to strengthen the capacity of Jamaica’s private healthcare providers’ response to COVID-19 and reduce strain on the public sector.
The grants will assist in building the private health sector’s capacity to deliver required services related to COVID-19 vaccine administration, including appointment and registration; counselling; post-vaccination observation; documentation and reporting and waste management.
Juliet Cuthbert Flynn, state minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, said this would help with strengthening the Government’s National Vaccination Programme.
“Together, our private partners have so far been responsible for the administration of more than 17,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine since last October,” Cuthbert Flynn said.
“I want to see this replicated after the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to see this kind of a partnership to continue to strengthen whatever it is we’re trying to do to better Jamaica,” she added.
For his part, Jason Fraser, country representative, USAID Jamaica, said his organisation and by extension the United States Government, is committed to supporting the Government of Jamaica’s effort to address current needs and fill gaps.
“USAID recognises the significant role that the private sector can play in supporting the Ministry of Health and Wellness with outsourcing vaccination administration by providing increased access to vaccines, particularly among the most vulnerable population,” Fraser said.