Gov’t invests J$10b in St Catherine health sector
Published:Thursday | December 12, 2024 | 12:11 AMRuddy Mathison/Gleaner Writer
The Jamaican Government has announced a significant investment of J$10 billion (US$65 million) to transform the health sector in St Catherine.
This initiative includes the redevelopment of the Spanish Town Hospital and upgrades to the St Jago and Old Harbour health centres, where work is already under way.
During a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton signed a contract to commence the J$660-million (US$4.3-million) upgrade of the Greater Portmore Comprehensive Health Centre.
This facility will be transformed into a Type 5 health centre, incorporating state-of-the-art features to enhance healthcare delivery.
Tufton described the investment as a “once-in-a-generation investment in Jamaica’s health sector”, expressing optimism about the future.
“I am excited about our prospects for success,” he said. “Never before have we had such powerful tools and resources to reimagine how we address health challenges, prevent disease, and create an environment where everyone can thrive.”
The redevelopment is part of the Health Systems Strengthening Programme (HSSP), a collaborative effort supported by international partners, including the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the European Union (EU).
Highlighting the financial contributions, Tufton noted, “The Government of Jamaica is investing US$87 million, the IDB US$50 million, and the EU US$11 million, financing the projects to the tune of US$148 million.”
Tufton emphasised the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare transformation.
“The Government understands that an essential element of transforming public health is going beyond infrastructure to the adoption of a holistic approach that encompasses the strengthening of healthcare delivery and workforce training,” he said.
To address workforce gaps, the Government is assessing human resources, with plans to train and employ more locals.
“One of the things that we are going to do, and have started, is assessing what our human resources are and starting to find ways, in the first instance, to train and to place more locals in positions that will be needed to accompany the enhanced infrastructure,” Tufton explained. If necessary, external recruitment will be considered, including bonded scholarships for healthcare training.
The new 1,252-square-metre Greater Portmore facility will feature dedicated spaces for X-ray, oral rehydration, laboratory work, asthma treatment, diabetes retinopathy, physiotherapy, and other services. Administrative spaces, staff lounges, training areas, and a conference room are also part of the plans.
Completion is expected in 2026.
Natacha Marzolf, the IDB’s country representative in Jamaica, and EU Ambassador to Jamaica Dr Erja Askola attended the ceremony, signing the agreement on behalf of their organisations.