Health ministry signs accountability framework MOU with regional health authorities

The Ministry of Health has signed a memorandum of understanding to establish an accountability framework with Jamaica's four regional health authorities and other public bodies, as part of renewed efforts to improve how healthcare is delivered nationwide.

The agreement covers governance and oversight, financial and procurement accountability, and capacity and performance management. Officials said the framework is intended to raise standards and strengthen how public health institutions are monitored and run.

The ministry is also refocusing on training to build a more capable workforce. Although Jamaica retains considerable clinical talent, many practitioners are recruited abroad because of their expertise, placing added pressure on domestic services.

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said that over a decade leading the portfolio, he has found the system does not consistently demonstrate the empathy required in the administration of care. "I am not saying there are some Florence Nightingales among us or Mary Seacoles, but therapy starts not on the prescription pad. It starts when people walk through the door," he said.

Tufton argued that the sector's most pressing challenge is not a shortage of funds but the management and development of human resources. The government has spent billions of dollars equipping health facilities and expanding infrastructure, and while space constraints remain and new buildings are under way, financial investment alone cannot resolve deeper systemic problems.

"If we don't manage the care system properly, if we don't speak to people with a level of respect and show them empathy and understanding, then they are going to be irate and the healing process is not going to happen," he added.