THE Government has decided not to disturb the no-user fee policy at public hospitals, which was introduced by the previous Jamaica Labour Party Administration.

Minister of Health, Dr Fenton Ferguson, who had been stridently promoting a review of the policy since taking office in January 2012, claiming that it was too costly to sustain, announced Tuesday that it would be maintained for, at least, another year.

The minister, in April, started national consultations on the review of the policy, starting with a meeting with Opposition Spokesman on Health Dr Ken Baugh and announced plans for consultations in the four health regions, which were expected to lead to a decision which would have been disclosed in the sectoral debate on Tuesday.

“I know everyone is eager to hear what we plan to do about the no user fees policy. The policy will remain in place this year,” Dr Ferguson told the House on Tuesday.

He reminded the House that he had vowed that when the PNP returned to Government and if he was named minister of health he would do something about the problems facing the health sector, beginning with finding sustainable ways to finance the sector.

“While we have not been able to satisfy that requirement, we continue to place priority on health when crafting our budget. We know the value of health to the development of the country and the productivity of our people,” Ferguson told the House.

He said that he was optimistic about the sector, given the robust discussions that he has been having and the numerous and creative suggestions from members of the public.

“At the end of the consultations, I will have a report that will recommend the best course of action. I will then name a task force to further breakdown the options available to us and the best ways forward,” he stated.