Jamaican Health Ministry Faces PR Snub Over Vaccine Roll Out Education
February 24, 2021 | Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |
There have been loud calls for a review of the budget to fund the roll of the public education of the distribution of vaccines to stem the spread of the coronavirus. There was an announced figure of 400 + million dollars.
Red Zone Field Hospital
In all Regions there are shortages in bed space for COVID patients. Red zone is the level reached in hospitals as it relates to bed space to date.
As a result a field hospital will be relocated to Spanish Town from National Chest Hospital. This is a total of 40 additional beds for Spanish Town Hospital. Beds at Spanish Town Hospital have been maxed out. An emergency situation.
Public Outcry
Since that announcement social and other media have been questioning this figure. PM Andrew Holness threw his support behind this plan. Dispute his intervention the chorus of disapproval has grown louder. Minister Dr. The Hon Chris Tufton has reacted saying that a review has been done and approximately JA$50 million has been shaved off this $400+ million and diverted to pay additional staff to assist with the roll out of vaccine to stem the COVID pandemic.
Staff
Additional medical staff will be employed to help with the roll out. The cut in budget will be $48. 7 million will be diverted to pay this newly to be employed staff. The Minister has appealed to retired medical personnel to temporarily assist. As stated above $48.7 million to be allocated to pay additional staff. The respective Regional Health Authorities have been authorized to employ new staff to assist with the distribution of vaccines nationally.
Research
The Minister stated that $30 million dollars has been allocated to research moving from $36.2 million, a reduction of $5 million dollars. Printing brochures $36.2 million down to $26.2 million a reduction of $10 million dollars.
One Integrated Limited will get $16.9 million, to market the destruction and public but in a reduction in fees.
Public Education Sessions $27.8 down to $20 million. To mention a few of the cuts in the original budget.
Nurses Who Exited Our Shores numbering 42.
The Health Minister advised:
“Some 42 nurses, some specialists have migrated/recruited to since January 2021 to date. If you don’t need to go to a hospital, don’t go. You can expect longer waits. Go to the nearest Health Centre for non emergency services. No one will be turned away. Savings cut will be allocated to pay additional staff”
The Health Minister stressed. Painting a grim picture indeed.
Special Arrangement
Andrews Memorial Hospital will absorb flow over patients of a non COVID nature. This is a special arrangement with the Ministry of Health. A private public partnership in health care at work here.
Commentary
We hope this latest explanation by Health Minister, Dr. Chris Tufton and the re allocation of funds will help to put this matter to rest. Will it?
