The Ministry launched a major tender for the retrofitting of 110 health facilities with technology that will provide high-speed internet capacity, modern ICT infrastructure to include laptops and tablets, and the widespread use of the WHO’s Go Data platform for the collection and analysis of surveillance data to detect and manage diseases.
Vector Control Programme
• A massive communication and behaviour change campaign designed to
reinforce the principle of personal responsibility for health was launched.
• Employed more than 1,000 vector control workers.
• Increased the number of dedicated vector-control vehicles from 25 to 85 at a cost of more than $289 million.
• Collaborated with municipal corporations and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) to remove bulky waste that harbours the dreaded Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes.
Compassionate Care Programme
• The programme has, so far, facilitated the training of approximately 3,000 health workers, including clinical, technical, administrative, skilled and non-skilled staff.
• 10 facilities have been upgraded, which included accident and emergency and/or waiting rooms.
These are:
• Victoria Jubilee Hospital
• Cornwall Regional
Hospital
• St. Ann’s Bay Hospital
• Falmouth Hospital
• Black River Hospital
• Black River Health Services (Type 5 Health Centre)
• Noel Holmes Hospital
• Robins Hall Health Centre
• Kitson Town Health Centre
• St. James Health Services
(Type 5 Health Centre)
Adopt-A-Clinic
• 22 clinics have been adopted while seven are pending, with committed support of approximately $81.4 million over three years.
Technical Cooperation Agreement between Jamaica and Cuba
• Portfolio Minister Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, and Cuba’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Her Excellency Inés Fors Fernández, signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement to facilitate additional Cuban health professionals and technicians to boost the public health sector’s staff complement.
