KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The Ministry of Health has set up a committee to develop plans for the establishment of a National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme for the country.

Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2016/17 Sectoral Debate yesterday in the House of Representatives.

He said the NHI scheme aims to provide solutions for financing the public health sector. “We intend to… ensure that we can sustainably finance public health administration in Jamaica,” he pointed out.

Tufton further told the House that an Adopt-A-Clinic programme will be launched this year to garner sponsorship for the improvement of primary healthcare facilities.

Under this initiative the ministry will maintain the personnel, standards and procedures while the sponsor will ensure that the facility has the necessary supplies, upkeep and equipment to service patients.

Last year, approximately 200 charitable missions visited the island and donated health items with an estimated value of US$3.1 million.

In addition, the ministry will also be establishing a policy on gifts and charities to guide the process for the receipt of donated items.

The minister also informed that a volunteer facility called Compassionate Care will soon be established in hospitals and public health facilities.

Under this initiative, persons wishing to give freely of their time can provide supervised assistance to persons recuperating from illnesses.