Repair bill for health facilities from Hurricane Beryl damage estimated at over $1 billion - MOH

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is reporting that the current estimated cost for repairs to health facilities affected by Hurricane Beryl is $1.098 billion.

The Ministry says post-hurricane assessments are ongoing and so far some 84 incidents of major damage, including impacts on roofs, doors, ceilings, fencing and electrical systems, have been reported across all health facilities, with most damage done to those in St Elizabeth.

St Thomas and Kingston and St Andrew have also reported notable damage to some facilities in those parishes. 

Facilities in Trelawny, St Elizabeth and St Thomas reported considerable damage to roofs, the health ministry stated.

The health ministry said all public hospitals are open to members of the public and most are offering their full suite of services. 

Across primary care services, health centres are functioning, some at full service, while others have redirected patients to nearby facilities.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton, said 14 of the island's hospitals are now in full operation, while the remaining 10 are on track for the resumption of full services by Monday, July 8. 

Further, Tufton said seven  hospitals are back on the national grid, while the others are on generators. 

Regarding health centres, Tufton stated that some facilities have experienced significant damage, but contingencies are in place with the hope of full resumption by Monday.

The health minister noted that facilities in some parishes, primarily those most affected by Hurricane Beryl, remain in emergency mode. 

Across the Southern Regional Health Authority, which comprises St Elizabeth, Clarendon and Manchester, all hospitals are offering emergency services only. 

Meanwhile, of the 18 health centres in St Elizabeth, 15 are in operation and 19 of Manchester's 23 health centres are open.

Over in Clarendon, only six of the parish's 32 health centres are up and running.

In St Elizabeth, efforts are being made to return facilities to regular functioning. 

“In St Elizabeth, the Black River Hospital is on emergency operation only and is dependent on a generator for power. We are also aware that some roads in the parish remain impassable. The team is implementing our contingencies to ensure that the parish receives the needed support,” the health minister explained.

In the west, Falmouth and Savanna-la-Mar general hospitals are currently offering emergency services only.

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