A state-of-the-art private hospital was opened on Thursday in Rose Hall, St James.
The 22 bed facility, which is equipped with two operating rooms and a birthing room, was constructed by the Spanish Group, Hospiten, at a cost of US$20 million.
Tourism Minister Dr Wykeham McNeil, speaking at the opening ceremony, said although it's located along the country’s tourism belt, the hospital will also cater to locals.
Dr McNeil projected that the hospital will open the way for visitors, particularly those from North America, seeking first world health care.
Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson, in his remarks, said the government was taking steps to improve the quality of health care island-wide, and in that regard, highlighted one particular initiative.
"We're investing 750 million (Jamaican) dollars, to create a health emergency and trauma response system, known as the North Western Trauma Project," he said.
This new mechanism will operate along that stretch of the north coast, from Negril to Ocho Rios, he explained, adding that he anticipated that there will be cooperation between this State-led initiative and private institutions, such as Hospiten's new facility.
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