Health and Wellness Minister Dr

Christopher Tufton says discussions are under way to develop a Gift Policy to

formalise fundraising activities for charitable donations to the public health

sector.

“We want to encourage giving by ensuring

it is done in an orderly way and in a transparent way that does not undermine

the motivation of persons and organisations. The gift must be used for the

purpose for which it was intended. This is one of the things that the Gift

Policy will outline – how you give and the accountability structure of how you

give,” he said.

Tufton made the comment at the recent handover of wheelchairs to the Ministry and the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) by the Wheelchair Foundation, through local partners, the Rotary Club of St Andrew and skills training institute, Operation Friendship.

He said that the policy also aims to give

recognition to those who give, as well as to put the appropriate mechanisms in

place to ensure accountability and that resources are used for the intended

purpose.

“We want to encourage giving back, but

encourage it in a way that maximises impact. So, it will ensure the needs are

clearly specified as well as outline a protocol for how persons [and

organisations] give,” he said.