KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton, says that legislation will be put in place to regulate the operations of funeral establishments and mortuaries.

The legislation will address several critical areas including accountability, compliance with international best practices for the preservation of public health, training, certification and licensing of operators and other personnel.

“It will also give you (operators) an opportunity to compete fairly and pursue your business in a way that allows you to be sustainable and profitable,” Dr Tufton noted.

He was addressing an appreciation function for funeral directors held on Tuesday yesterday at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston.

Stressing the need for standardisation, Dr Tufton noted that the industry is largely self-regulated, which promotes “ad hoc” methods of operating.

“This poses a challenge in terms of a threat to public health because some standards are not maintained,” he contended.

Tufton advised industry stakeholders to make preparations for the impending improvements.

“It is going to have implications and my suggestion would be that as critical stakeholders in this industry, you must start applying your minds to what the implications of regulation and legislation would be on you,” he said.

The ceremony was organised by Meadowrest Memorial Gardens to recognise 27 funeral service providers for outstanding performance in Business Quality and Most Business Awards for the 2015 period.