MAJ says COVID-19 highlighting need for better funded health system

The Medical Association of Jamaica (MAJ) says the challenges hospitals are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the need for better funding for the healthcare system.

 

Hospitals are under pressure from an increase in hospitalisations.

 

Medical doctors have also been complaining about being overworked.

 

Speaking on Power 106 FM’s Morning Agenda, MAJ President Dr. Andrew Manning says the system needs adequate funding.

 

“The percentage of GDP that is allotted to health care now is about three and a half per cent and it needs to be close to eight per cent for us to have a sustainable health care system. This has been known for years…I hope that one of things that happens moving forward is that persons in society realise and call for the health care system to be better funded,” he explains.

 

Dr. Manning is urging the government to honour its commitment to disburse hazard pay to doctors. 

 

Doctors at the Annotto Bay Hospital in St Mary are reportedly restive after not receiving payment.

 

“The hazard allowance that was agreed on really isn’t a great deal and doesn’t really go far enough I think, in terms of compensating the persons for the service. But again it comes back down to a basic principle. You must honour your commitments and you must do so in a timely fashion.” Dr. Manning says.