WASHINGTON, DC:

Jamaica’s Adopt-a-Clinic Programme is gaining traction, with notable input from the diaspora in the United States, members of which have taken several clinics across the island under their wings.

On a recent visit to Washington, DC, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton told a gathering at the Embassy that there were 325 clinics in Jamaica – 116 of them up for adoption.

Dr Tufton told diaspora members, including those on the online discussion forum Let’s Connect with Ambassador Marks, that he was pleased with the support given to the programme by diaspora organisations as well as individuals, who have come on board to adopt primary health care services.

“The intention of the Adopt-a-Clinic Programme is to get Jamaicans at home and abroad, who have benefited from our primary health care services, to give back,” Tufton said. “As minister of health, I am asking members of the diaspora to join hands and hearts with the ministry by adopting a clinic.”

Launched by the health and wellness ministry in November 2017, the Adopt-a-Clinic Programme targets health centres across the island for support from local and international individuals, groups, and corporate entities.

Fifty-five clinics are now fully adopted – 34 taken on so far by Jamaicans and organisations in the diaspora in the United States that have spent some US$0.5 million to help upgrade and provide important pieces of equipment for these primary care institutions, Dr Tufton explained.

A breakdown of the support reveals the diaspora in the Northeast USA adopted six of the clinics, which totalled US$133,078 in contributions, while the Southern USA adopted 16 facilities, amounting to US$341,000.

In fact, during an event at the Embassy, Dr Jacqueline Watson presented the health minister with a US$10,000 cheque, earmarked for the Golden Spring Health Centre in Red Hills, St Andrew. The funds are the second instalment to that health clinic, which the Watson family adopted in memory of their late parents, Keith and Phyllis Watson.

Other clinics adopted include those at Cascade in Hanover, Adelphi in St James, Steer Town in St Ann, Ulster Spring in Trelawny, Islington in St Mary, and Lambs River Clinic in Westmoreland.

The health and wellness minister paid tribute to the diaspora members for the role they continue to play in the health sector in Jamaica. “You, the members of the diaspora, have played a role in helping us providing well-needed equipment and supplies to our hospitals and health centres.”

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Audrey P. Marks, also lauded the members of the diaspora for their assistance and adoption of the country’s healthcare facilities.

Primary health care is delivered in Jamaica through a network comprising more than 320 community health centres across the nation’s 14 parishes. Most of these facilities were built in the 1970s.

The island has earned global World Health Organization recognition for its best practices in primary health are.