CLARENDON, Jamaica – Central Clarendon Member of Parliament (MP) Mike Henry is calling on the Ministry of Health and the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) to immediately seek to improve safety and security arrangements at the May Pen Hospital in Clarendon.

Henry’s call comes after a visitor to the facility reportedly fell into an open manhole, resulting in injury.

Henry said the affected individual is now seeking specialised treatment overseas.

The MP said that he has been repeatedly advised by staff members at the hospital, and the adjoining health clinic, that there is widespread concern among the staff about the approach to security on the complex.

He said with numerous unfortunate security breaches allegedly having taken place at the hospital in recent times, including loss of life and physical injury, it is prime time for the regional health authority and the Health Ministry to focus on safety and security needs at the hospital complex in May Pen.

Henry said that the label of only reacting to crises has been earned by the Health Ministry, in respect to its approach to some major health issues. It is time for the ministry to seek to prevent major challenges, instead of simply responding to them after they arise, the MP said.