KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesperson on Health and Wellness, Dr Morais Guy, is expressing deep concern about reports from some public hospitals indicating that there is a state of continued decline in patient care, service quality and maintenance.

In a statement on Monday, Dr Guy said the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton, must take full responsibility for what was described as deteriorating conditions at a number of health facilities and expressed that the “Health Minister must ensure that the appropriate administrative and governance arrangements are maintained in all hospitals to deliver modern healthcare services.”

Referencing the Bustamante Hospital for Children, where reports of poor patient care and client mistreatment have surfaced, the Opposition Spokesperson said the Health Minister “cannot wash his hands, but must take steps to assure the people of Jamaica that their public health institutions can provide proper care and attention.”

Additionally, Dr Guy said he was very concerned about a revealing newspaper report over the weekend which detailed unsanitary conditions in many of the 14 hospitals and health centres recently surveyed. The report highlighted dirty bathrooms, missing toilet seats, wet floors, broken tiles and unpleasant odours as some of the infractions. He said these conditions pose a health risk and, therefore, require immediate attention from the Minister and his team at the Ministry’s head office.

The Opposition Spokesperson is calling on the Minister to acquire the appropriate funding needed for immediate maintenance work. He is also asking that the Ministry of Health ensure staff are properly trained in customer service as he believes a lapse in the latter is affecting all Jamaicans, particularly those who cannot afford private health care.