Health Ministry allocating $50m to screen for chronic illnesses

By Nakinskie Robinson    

 

With thousands of Jamaicans struggling to cope with lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes, Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has announced that $50 million will be allocated for extensive screening for various illnesses.

 

Dr. Tufton says the move forms part of the government's efforts to repair a legacy of neglect in the sector. 

 

"This year we're doing some 400,000 screenings. We're going to spend about $50 million over the next 18 months, Madam Speaker, so this programme will continue. But we're not just going to the town centres, we're going to go to the off roads. We have the mobile units, we're going to mobilise them because every Jamaican on this road to transformation must understand that it is their duty to get an annual physical, as they would say an annual check up." 

 

In addition, Dr. Tufton said 2,000 Jamaicans received dentures last year under the Second Chance Smiles programme. The ministry is aiming to assist 8,000 more people this year.  

 

The minister said over the next two months, contracts valuing some $1.5 billion will also be awarded for the expansion of the Old Harbour, St. Jago Park and Greater Portmore health centres in St. Catherine.

 

He said Cabinet has approved a new health care model which will target healthier lifestyle and disease prevention. 

 

"This model will see some 370 more doctors being hired in the primary health care system. The new system will address a number of issues. Divided into community, district and comprehensive health centres, it will look at not just health promotion and education but screening, prevention and treatment, routine medical, special clinics for adolescent, elderly men and women's health, rehabilitative and palliative care, ophthalmology and audiometric screening," Dr. Tufton announced. 

 

He made the announcements during the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon.