CLARENDON, Jamaica (JIS) — The Government, through a private entity, will be assessing the capacity needs of five public hospitals across the island, to provide resources for the expansion of services.

Minister of Health, Dr Christopher Tufton, who made the disclosure yesterday in May Pen, Clarendon, said among the things that will be looked at are the technical specifications of the facilities, to expand medical services.

He said the assessment team, consisting of technical experts, will examine and determine the needs of the hospitals and what should be added.

“From there, we will use that plan for the next wave of infrastructure development,” the minister informed.

Addressing a contract -signing ceremony for $54.7 million to correct leaking problems at the May Pen Hospital, Tufton said that Prime Minister Andrew Holness, has “signalled” that the health budget will be increased for the next financial year.

“The budget is going to create some space for us to take advantage of expanded infrastructure,” the minister said.

The hospitals that will be assessed for expansion are May Pen, Mandeville, Spanish Town, St Ann’s Bay, and the Kingston Public.