KINGSTON, Jamaica — Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has requested an update to gain clarity on a recent incident where a US woman shared her dissatisfaction with the level of healthcare she received at a local hospital.

In a now-viral video, the woman expressed frustration over the unmet request for tissue, highlighting a shortage in the hospital’s bathrooms.

“I need some tissue. I have been asking for tissue since I’ve been here. There’s no tissue in any of the bathrooms. No one is giving me any tissue,” she said. “I also need another diaper…I’m actually mad because I’m using paper towels.”

“This shouldn’t be like pulling teeth,” she was also heard saying before being informed that the items she was requesting were considered personal items.

In response to the video, Dr Tufton, stated on his Twitter page that he has requested an update on the situation, emphasising that “tissue is always provided for patients.” Tufton also highlighted that it is against hospital policy for videos to be taken inside facilities.

The Minister emphasised that tissue is generally provided for patients, but due to instances of patients taking tissue from bathrooms, it is sometimes offered upon request.

He also denied rumours of a current tissue shortage, stating that the Western Regional Health Authority warehouse in Montego Bay has “over 1,700 cases of domestic tissue in stock” and “1,500 cases on order.

“The tissues are distributed weekly to all hospitals,” Tufton stated.