Golding chides gov't for failing to improve healthcare services

 

Opposition Leader Mark Golding has said Jamaica's health sector is facing a crisis and accused the government of failing to implement the required measures to improve healthcare services.

 

Speaking in St. Mary on the weekend, Mr. Golding accused Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton of engaging in public relations stunts instead of ensuring that patients receive the required healthcare in public hospitals.

 

"Everybody who I know who comes to me for help, because of what their experience is with the health system, is a situation of sufferation. They need surgery, they have to be waiting for years before they can get the surgery done in the public hospital. They can't afford the medication, unless it's on the National Health Fund, or JADEP - which is PNP policies put those things in place for the people. But if the drugs are not on that, sufferation," he contended.  

 

Mr. Golding also complained that equipment is not being maintained to conduct diagnostic tests, so the service is outsourced to private facilities "at a huge cost". 

 

Arguing that the government is not for the people, the Opposition Leader and People's National Party president claimed, "This is a government that is there to look after themselves and those who support them financially."

 

The government has insisted that it is investing billions of dollars to purchase equipment and improve service delivery in the health sector.