Introduction
Mr. Speaker, no country can achieve growth and development without considerable investment in the health of its people. While we have many challenges, we cannot take a Band-Aid approach towards fixing our problems. We must take a strategic approach to health in preparing the road map for the future. This Administration recognizes health as a developmental imperative, and so we continue to put policies and systems in place to develop and transform the health sector into one that can adequately respond to prevailing needs.
Mr. Speaker, Jamaica, over the years, has had a very strong record of accomplishment in health care. Despite the less than ideal per capita expenditure on health each year, Jamaica’s health outcomes are remarkable when measured in both life expectancy and quality adjusted life expectancy. The data reveals that Jamaica has outperformed its regional neighbours relative to its comparative investment in health. For example, Jamaica’s Health Adjusted Life expectancy is greater than both Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, both of which invest a greater portion of their GDP in health. Jamaica has an average life expectancy of 74 years, a figure that is largely impacted by motor vehicle accidents and other non-health care related factors. Further, in 2004, PAHO/WHO evaluated Jamaica’s public health system using nine essential public health indices. Jamaica scored a remarkable 75 and ranked ninth in the world. Mr. Speaker, this year, the Government has provided a major increase in the health budget to facilitate further improvement in infrastructure and services. This year, the Ministry of Health received $7.2 billion more than the previous financial year for a total allocation of $48 billion, up from last year’s $40.8 billion, reflecting an 18% increase. Mr. Speaker, last financial year we received for capital A $1.273 billion, and for this financial year we have received $1.725 billion, an increase of $452 million (36% increase).
Mr. Speaker, our Capital B moved from $906 million to $1.2 billion, an increase of $294 million (approximately 32% increase). Our total budget last year was $42.9 billion against the current financial year of $50.9 billion an overall increase of $8 billion (18.6% increase). Mr. Speaker, we are building on this solid foundation to secure the future for a healthier Jamaica.