WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Jamaica’s healthcare system is confronting a critical challenge in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, with Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton revealing a dramatic decline in health center utilization across storm-affected parishes. Despite all facilities being fully operational—whether in permanent structures or temporary setups—patient attendance remains significantly below pre-hurricane levels.
During an inspection visit to Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital last Friday, Minister Tufton expressed grave concern over attendance rates languishing at merely 60-70% of normal capacity in regions battered by the Category 5 storm. This downturn coincides with severe overcrowding at hospitals, where the Savanna-la-Mar facility is currently treating 298 patients despite being designed for 218 beds.
The minister identified multiple factors driving this healthcare paradox, noting that many residents remain preoccupied with rebuilding their homes and lives following October’s devastating hurricane. This distraction from routine healthcare maintenance poses particular risks for patients managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, who may be neglecting medication regimens and essential follow-up appointments.
Tufton warned that this neglect could trigger a secondary health crisis, with manageable conditions deteriorating until they require emergency intervention. This pattern inevitably drives patients to bypass local health centers and proceed directly to hospital emergency departments, exacerbating the existing overcrowding situation.
Emphasizing the structured approach to healthcare delivery, the minister urged Jamaicans to reactivate their engagement with the public health system: “Utilize the services of your health centers. Stop there before you come to the hospital. Very, very important. There are doctors there. There are nurses there. There’s a file there for you, more than likely, if you use the public health system.”
The ministry confirmed that comprehensive services remain available at health centers, including National Health Fund pharmaceuticals and medications. Tufton concluded with a powerful message about the integral role of health in disaster recovery: “You cannot fix back after hurricane if you’re not healthy. If you ignore that part you’re going to break down and end up in the hospital and we are trying to avoid that.”