Jamaica’s public hospitals entered emergency mode on Thursday, and all clinics closed early at 4:00 pm as the country continues to brace for the slow-moving Tropical Storm Melissa that is forecast to become a hurricane when it impacts the island between Friday and Saturday.

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton made the announcement at a Jamaica House press briefing Thursday morning.

He explained that emergency mode means that while hospitals remain open, outpatient services and elective surgeries will be suspended for the immediate future to allow hospital staff to focus on emergencies.

“Visitations will be limited and family members are asked to pick up their relatives who have been admitted for non-critical reasons,” Tufton said, adding that hospitals will reach out to family members of those patients who should be picked up.

“We have to reserve bed space just in case we need them for emergencies,” Tufton explained.

Despite the seemingly drastic measures, Tufton sought to assure that the health sector is fully prepared to deal with any disruptions that may be caused by Melissa.

“We do anticipate, even though we hope not, that given what is being projected, there will be some disruption in our health services — interruption of supply chains including for medications, the possibility of injuries from wind damage, debris and falling trees, the risk of water-borne or vector-borne diseases from flooding and stagnant water, challenges to our most vulnerable, among them people living with chronic diseases, the elderly, persons living with disabilities, pregnant women and children,” said Tufton.

“There’s likely to be an impact on the entire society, our entire lives, and we need to prepare for that,” he added.

To help prepare, the ministry’s emergency operation centre is now fully activated.

In terms of system readiness, Tufton said there are 116 priority facilities — 25 hospitals and 91 Type 3 to Type 5 health centres for emergency response activation. All assessed facilities have personnel in place.

As it relates to command and control, 100 per cent of the priority facilities have established identifiable command centres to coordinate emergency response operations with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Some 75 per cent of the facilities have back-up power systems — generators with fuel reserves capable of sustaining power for 72 hours post-disaster.

The following are also in place, said Tufton:

• medical gas and supplies in all priority facilities to last 72 hours;

• strategic stockpiles of medications and medical consumables verified and maintained at a minimum three-day supply;

• infection prevention and control protocol and systems;

• transportation fleet for emergency response fully functional in 87 per cent of the priority facilities;

• communication system bolstered;

• hospital in-patient capacity is at 5,000 beds, 20 operating theatres and 19 emergency rooms; and

• field hospital is being deployed at May Pen hospital.

Meanwhile, Tufton is encouraging Jamaicans to work with his ministry and healthcare workers to ensure their good health.

Specifically, he’s urging Jamaicans to ensure they have at least 72 hours of essentials in a storm-ready kit which should include non-perishable food, water, medication, flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries.

“If you have chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and respiratory ailments, ensure that you have your medicine and know how to take them if services are disrupted,” he said.

He is also encouraging individuals to keep in touch with their health provider in anticipation of the possibility of disruption.

The health and wellness minister also implored Jamaicans to stay tuned to updates on the weather system from the Met Service, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, his ministry and traditional media.

“Be also cautious around the social media communication and ensure that it comes from sources that are credible,” he added.