12 Healthcare Facilities to Be Upgraded By PAHO

The UK Aid through the Pan American Health Organization on Thursday officially handed over nine completed health care facilities to the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Jamaica was one of seven Caribbean countries to benefit from the multi-million-pound smart healthcare facilities project.

The move is expected to fill critical climate-resilient infrastructure gaps to deal with the threat of natural disasters.

The Pan American Health Organization officially handed over 9 retrofitted, health care facilities to the Health Ministry, a fraction of the total 46 points 3-million-pound initiative.

The project is geared towards upgrading a total of 12 facilities locally to boost climate change resilience. It began in May 2015 and is set to wind down by the end of 2022. Health Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton lauded the stakeholders for their contribution. 

Dr Tufton notes the pandemic has created an opportunity for review and development in the sector after nearly a hundred years. Meanwhile, the Minister says persons who obey to the COVID-19 protocols play a pivotal role in the decline in COVID-19 numbers.

He adds that the government is working on initiatives to give more health care facilities a facelift.

Reporter: Justin Graham