Tufton wants 'serious' talk about impact of violence on health system

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has said it's time for "serious discussions" beyond anti-crime measures in light of the impact of violence-related injuries on the health sector.

According to Tufton, Jamaica is now dealing with a crisis.

He was speaking Thursday at the May Pen hospital in Clarendon following the handing over of medical equipment and supplies donated by Jamalco.

Tufton's comments came a day after the Savanna-la-mar hospital CEO Dr Alfred Dawes appealed for blood, saying there was a critical shortage as doctors used up the reserves overnight trying to save the lives of ten people who survived a deadly rampage in Morgan's Bridge near  Grange Hill, Westmoreland. 

Seven other people were killed.

“The sad part about all of this is that a lot of our demands on the system are demands that are self-inflicted demands we would prefer not to have, but we have caused it on ourselves,” Tufton said. 

Among the victims was a two-year-old boy and Tufton said Savanna-la-mar Hospital staff yesterday broke down on seeing his body.

The Health Minister said he would be heading to the hospital to support to the staff overburdened by the challenges of treating those who get hurt because of gang warfare.

Meanwhile, Central Clarendon Member of Parliament Mike Henry has bemoaned the increase in murders in Clarendon, saying it is "getting totally out of hand". 

From January 1 to April 28, there were 49 murders in Clarendon, that's 10 more than the 39 recorded over the similar period in 2017.

Henry said children are being disturbed at nights and people are now seeking to relocate.

Henry also highlighted the many idle lands in and around May Pen saying it is giving rise to squatters and to some of the crime issues which need to be addressed.

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