'Stop attacking healthcare workers'

Permanent secretary in the health ministry, Sancia Bennett Templer, has made an urgent call for Jamaicans to desist from displaying abusive behaviours towards health care professionals as they seek medical assistance. 

Speaking during the 2017 Lasco National Nurse of the Year ceremony, she said it is critical that respect becomes the hallmark of both health care professionals and patients. 

She also reiterated the need for more critical care nurses, noting that a minimum of 240 such nurses are needed, however, there are currently only 134. 

The permanent secretary says the ministry is working assiduously to reduce the deficit.