KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Health and Wellness is now undertaking detailed assessments of more than 100 health centres across the five parishes impacted by Hurricane Melissa, as part of efforts to strengthen the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.

Portfolio Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton, says engineers are on the ground assessing 101 facilities in the affected parishes, with a focus on structural integrity and opportunities for design improvements.

“They are assessing the integrity of the walls and the roofs. They are looking at the existing design [in terms of] how to adjust those,” he said.

Dr Tufton was speaking during the official commissioning of a solar system at the National Health Fund (NHF) Pharmaceutical Warehouse on Marcus Garvey Drive in Kingston on Wednesday.

He explained that the assessments form part of a broader push to develop “smart” health facilities that are more resilient and better able to withstand natural hazards.

This initiative is being guided by international standards and supported by several partners, including the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Kingdom Government.

Dr Tufton indicated that the long-term goal is to standardise these smart features across the island’s health infrastructure.

Additionally, the Government is set to expand healthcare access, with several major facilities scheduled to open during the new financial year.

“Over the [course of the] year, as compared to the previous number of years, we’re not just going to make announcements around major projects in health. We’re going to cut ribbons and unveil some of the most long-standing projects,” the minister stated.

Among the projects slated for completion are work on the Cornwall Regional Hospital, and the Western Child and Adolescent Hospital in St James, as well as major health centres in Old Harbour, St Jago, and Portmore in St Catherine.

Dr Tufton expressed the hope that the newly constructed six‑storey tower at the Spanish Town Hospital will also be completed within this financial year.

“What this means is that we will see a significant renewal of our key infrastructure, upgraded to serve more people with more capacity and, hopefully, to provide the best possible experience under the circumstances when persons are ill and in distress,” the minister added.

Dr Tufton emphasised that the ongoing upgrades reflect the Government’s commitment to building a more resilient and responsive public health system, capable of meeting the needs of Jamaicans while withstanding the impacts of natural disasters.

—    JIS