Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has directed the management of the Regional Health Authorities and the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) to action immediately a series of measures aimed at addressing concerns raised by medical interns regarding working and living conditions across the public health system. This is in keeping with the recently signed accountability framework and follows a statement issued yesterday by the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association (JMDA), which highlighted challenges being experienced by medical interns.

In Parliament yesterday, Spokesperson on Water and Special Projects, Ian Hayles, referred to Mr. Samuda's list of 34 projects to be undertaken across Jamaica. He posited that the majority of the money being spent on the projects were in communities represented by members of the Jamaica Labour Party.

The initiative follows growing reports of students being denied participation in graduation ceremonies, based on appearance related disciplinary measures, including hair, grooming standards, and other non-academic criteria. Youth Policy Committee member at the foundation, Sabrina Barnes says no child should be denied access to academic celebrations without transparent and proportionate justification.

The increase had been announced by Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness in March, then in June, the orders were laid on the table in the Lower House, and yesterday, Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr formally submitted the orders for deliberation and affirmation.

Their lobby group, the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA), has urged other doctors and supporters to wear blue today in a show of solidarity with the medical interns.In a statement, the JMDA noted that there has been a significant drop in the number of interns working within medical facilities islandwide.