The Government yesterday tabled the second supplementary estimates (budget) for 2018/19, showing provisions for an additional $11.4 billion for the current financial year, which ends on March 31.

The proposed increases of $10 billion in recurrent (housekeeping) expenses and $1.4 billion in capital (works) expenditures have moved the 2018/19 budget from the initial $$791.1 billion to a proposed new figure of $802.5 billion.

Notable increases in the supplementary include an additional $1 billion for the National Health Fund, which was established in 2003 to reduce the financial burden of health care on the Jamaican population.

However, a performance audit by the auditor general, covering the period 2011/12 to 2015/16 and which also incorporated information for 2016, had shown its Pharmaceutical Division was failing to attain service level targets related to the supply of critical drugs and the treatment of chronic illnesses. The bulk of the additional provision is expected to be spent on pharmaceutical and medical supplies.

Other areas covered by the increases are an additional $10.5 million for the Jamaica Urban Transit Company to meet operating expenses, and $30.7 million for Montego Bay Metro Limited, the second city’s public bus company, which will also go to operating expenses.

The National Water Commission is due $710.6 million from outstanding water bills owed by government ministries, departments and agencies, which is a follow-up to the $7-billion payment made to another utility, Jamaica Public Service Company), for outstanding street light debt in the first supplementary estimates. However, this payment is a reduction from the $1.069b previously provided.

There is also $325 million for the Spectrum Management Authority’s repayment from the sale of a licence, which resulted from a change in accounts receivable. The first supplementary had already included a payment of $16 million which brings the total up to $461 million.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service Dr Nigel Clarke told the House of Representatives that the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee will meet tomorrow to review the proposals prior to making a report to the House next Tuesday, when the debate is likely.