In response to the impending Tropical Storm Melissa, Jamaica’s public healthcare system has activated emergency protocols, effective from 4:00 pm on Thursday. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton announced the measures during a press briefing at Jamaica House earlier in the day. Under the emergency mode, all public hospitals will remain operational, but outpatient services and elective surgeries will be temporarily suspended to prioritize emergency care. Additionally, visitation rights will be restricted, and families are urged to collect relatives admitted for non-critical conditions to free up bed space for potential emergencies. Dr. Tufton emphasized the need to conserve resources, stating, ‘We have to reserve bed space just in case we need them for emergencies.’ The government plans to provide further updates on the status of health centers on Friday.
#EyeOnMelissa: Hospitals in emergency mode, clinics to close early as storm approaches
