October 1, 2026
Citizens express mixed reactions to warning of possible disruption to public health services from JMDA
Written byShanice Gibbs
There are mixed reactions from citizens about the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association’s warning of possible disruption to public health services if the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) fails to hand down its long-awaited ruling on doctors’ overtime rates.
The association set the end of the work day today as its deadline.
Some citizens who spoke with IRIE FM News said they sympathise with the doctors, who have been waiting for a resolution to the issue for a long time, while others expressed concern for how patients will be affected.
One man from St. Catherine said the doctors have legitimate grounds for taking a stand after six months of waiting for the IDT’s decision.
Meanwhile, a Kingston man who opposes any industrial action, argued that patients should not have to pay the price for a dispute they did not create.
Some citizens reacting to reports of a possible disruption to public health services.
The association says it is a responsible group and does not want patients to bear the brunt of the dispute.
It states that it gave the relevant notice and followed the proper protocols before announcing the possibility of industrial action.
The Health Ministry says it is on standby to ensure limited impact on patients.
