AFTER months of intense scrutiny from Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) due to a scathing auditor general’s report, the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) says it is embarking on a major overhaul of its operations, finances and governance systems in an effort to turn the page on one of the most turbulent periods in its recent history.

In a statement issued on Monday the hospital outlined a broad programme of reforms that it said is aimed at improving patient care, strengthening accountability, and enhancing the systems that support health-care delivery across the institution.

The announcement comes after weeks of damaging revelations before the PAC about which current and former hospital officials were questioned regarding a series of findings contained in the auditor general’s performance audit of UHWI.

Among the issues highlighted during the meetings were missing procurement files linked to hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts, weaknesses in record-keeping practices, concerns about governance arrangements, questions surrounding the recruitment of a chief executive officer, and long-standing financial management challenges.

Against that backdrop, UHWI said it has begun implementing reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and operational effectiveness.

According to the hospital, key changes already underway include the mandatory use of the Government of Jamaica Electronic Procurement Platform (GOJEP), strengthened procurement requirements, procurement training for key stakeholders, and an independent review of procurement operations and procedures.

The institution said it is also investing in improvements designed to directly affect patient care.

Among the projects highlighted is the introduction of 120 new medical beds and the renovation of the Medical Annex, a facility located near the accident and emergency department that has been closed for several years.

UHWI said the upgraded facility is expected to improve patient flow, reduce pressure on critical service areas, and create a more efficient experience for patients and their families.

HYLTON…the changes underway are designed to strengthen the institution, restore confidence, and ensure that UHWI is better positioned to serve patients, staff, students, and the public for generations to come.

The hospital also reported progress in restocking its pharmacy and increasing the availability of prescription drugs and other pharmaceuticals.

UHWI said efforts are also being made to strengthen its financial position, after years of fiscal challenges.

The hospital reported progress in recovering outstanding revenue, addressing long-standing obligations to staff and suppliers, and improving systems that support financial accountability.

One of the most significant developments announced was the securing of a provisional Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC), an issue that drew attention during the PAC hearings after officials disclosed that the institution owed billions of dollars in statutory deductions.

The hospital also said it has engaged an external auditing firm to conduct audits covering the 2021 to 2025 financial years.

“These measures are intended to enhance accountability, improve transparency, and reinforce confidence in the institution’s financial management and oversight processes,” the statement said.

Chairman of the UHWI Board Patrick Hylton described the reforms as part of a broader effort to reposition the institution.

“The board recognises the importance of UHWI to Jamaica’s health system and to the training of health professionals across the region. We are treating this period as a turning point.

“The changes underway are designed to strengthen the institution, restore confidence, and ensure that UHWI is better positioned to serve patients, staff, students, and the public for generations to come,” Hylton said.