KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Health and Wellness is reporting that although some of the island’s health facilities suffered major damage during the passage of Hurricane Beryl, all 24 hospitals islandwide are operational.

In his post-hurricane assessment, Minister Tufton revealed that the current estimated cost for repairs to health facilities affected by Hurricane Beryl is $1.098 billion.

Roofs, doors, ceilings, fencing, and electrical systems across some hospitals were reportedly damaged during the storm, with the most damage occurring in St Elizabeth. The Minister shared that all health facilities in St Elizabeth are currently on emergency operations only and are dependent on generators to power water tanks and electricity supplies as of midnight on Saturday, July 6.

Facilities in Trelawny and St Thomas have also reported considerable damage to their infrastructure.

Tufton further shared that services suspended prior to the hurricane, such as elective surgeries and certain clinics, have only resumed at 50 per cent capacity. He said 14 of the island’s hospitals are now in full operation, while the remaining 10 are on track for the resumption of full services by Monday, July 8.

“All in all, the health team has responded, and done well. I want to commend them and Jamaicans can rest assured that if they have an issue, you can visit your parish hospital accident and emergency for emergency services,” he said.