- Adopt-A-Clinic continues to attract diaspora support
KINGSTON, Jamaica. Tuesday, May 7, 2024: The Adopt-A-Clinic programme of the Ministry of Health & Wellness continues to attract private sector support while standing as a symbol of the gains to be made through public-private partnerships for public health.
Since 2017, some 47 clinics have been adopted, bringing the total donation commitment to the programme to some $200 million and with an expectation that another 50 facilities will benefit this year, thanks to the collaboration of the private sector and Jamaican diaspora.
“These are relationships that we have established with the diaspora and local donors who are partnering with us for the benefit of Jamaicans who use these facilities,” Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton told Parliament during his Sectoral presentation earlier today (May 7).
For example, among the adoptions is the Highgate Health Centre in St. Mary, which serves approximately 20,000 community members. Under the adoption, the facility is benefitting from a donation of $3.0 million for three years.
Over the period, the partnership will see the purchase of needed clinical and office equipment together with minor infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.
“We cherish these partnerships and will continue the journey to our targeted one hundred health centres for adoption. Let’s keep moving on this very important partnership,” the Minister said.
Adopt-A-Clinic functions to proactively leverage the philanthropic support of the private sector and diaspora in the reform of primary health care in Jamaica. The programme aims, ultimately, to support the rehabilitation of some 100 of the most needy health centres in the public health system.
“This initiative has been one of the driving forces that enables individuals and groups to contribute to the improvement of healthcare service delivery at the primary care level. Strategic alignment has always been part of our operations in public health, be it through international partners, diaspora members or local private sector or voluntary players,” Dr. Tufton said.