Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has sought to assure that visitors to the country have been afforded healthcare services when the need arises.

His assurance comes in the wake of a recent travel advisory from the United States, which cited concern over inadequate medical services in Jamaica.

The advisory, which has been updated to a level 3, warns citizens to reconsider travel to Jamaica.

The U.S. noted that public hospitals in Jamaica are under-resourced and cannot always provide high-level or specialized care.

It also urged Americans to get insurance before traveling to the island.

Reacting to the advisory, Dr. Tufton told IRIE FM news that though the U.S. is within its right to warn its citizens as it sees fit, non-Jamaicans have never been refused medical treatment at the nation’s facilities.

He added that some of the challenges being faced by the country’s healthcare system relate to the mass migration of healthcare professionals, especially to the U.S.

Dr. Tufton said perhaps there is a need to explore collaborations between Jamaica and the U.S. to address the concern, given the interconnectedness of the two countries.