Jamaicans urged to use health centres to reduce overcrowding at hospitals

 

Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton is again encouraging Jamaicans to make use of their community health centres to help reduce overcrowding at hospitals. 

 

Dr. Tufton says persons should visit their nearest health centre, once they are not severely ill.

 

"I'm prepared to court controversy in saying [health centres are] more important than the hospitals in many respects, because it is the effectiveness of the intervention at the community level that's going to delay your requirement and demand for the hospital system," he asserted. 

 

Dr. Tufton recently told the House of Representatives that Bustamante Hospital for Children and Spanish Town Hospital were experiencing overcrowding due to an increase in respiratory illnesses. 

 

But the health minister said there are plans to upgrade the services offered at community health centres to better address the ever-changing health challenges. 

 

"We are reviewing and revamping the services because when you look at the health profile of the population now, as opposed to 10 years ago, that profile is changing. In other words, we're seeing more cases of premature illness, meaning people getting sick early, including in the schools - children - as early as that. That is a direct function of lifestyle," he suggested.  

 

Dr. Tufton was speaking Thursday at the contract signing ceremony for renovations to both the Malvern and New Market health centres in St. Elizabeth. 

 

The total cost to renovate the two facilities is estimated at $37 million.