KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition spokesperson on health and wellness Dr Alfred Dawes says Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton and the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) need to clarify the status of a significant rehabilitation project which was intended for the Bustamante Hospital for Children (BHC).

The project, centred on restoring four essential operating theatres at the hospital, was reportedly initiated with a submission to the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund in 2022.

The health ministry has come under pressure recently following criticisms over the infrastructure of various hospitals across the country including the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

In a statement on Wednesday, Dr Dawes posed the direct questions to the Dr Tufton and SERHA:

• Can the minister confirm or deny that in 2023, following the initial submission, a specific request was made to BHC for a detailed line-item budget, as required by the CHASE Fund, to advance the project?
• Was a verbal commitment made by a CHASE Fund representative to approve the project following a site inspection? If so, can the minister confirm whether official correspondence subsequently conveyed CHASE’s willingness to fund the rehabilitation, contingent upon SERHA’s approval and oversight?
• If these reports are accurate, on what grounds was the project abandoned?

Dr Dawes called for prompt and transparent responses from the minister and SERHA in addressing these concerns and providing clarity on the future of healthcare at the hospital.

He said the decision to halt this initiative has led to the non-functionality of these vital operating theatres, causing the cancellation of critical medical missions and disrupting essential care for children in need.

“Was due consideration given to the potential repercussions for patient care? With the operating theatres now non-functional, are there any regrets that this rehabilitation project was not pursued to completion?” Dr Dawes questioned while urging the minister to reflect on this decision given the current strain on the health system.