Health workers across the island are wearing black today to highlight their frustration with the infrastructural challenges being faced within the sector.

The issue has been placed in the spotlight following reports that a surgery at the Bustamante Hospital for Children was put off recently, because of challenges with one of the facility’s operating theatres. 

The Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA) has noted that the infrastructural challenges faced by the Bustamante Hospital for children are not unique to that facility. 

The JMDA said that unfortunately, similar issues are prevalent in other health-care facilities. 

Speaking to IRIE FM News this morning, President of the JMDA, Dr. Rene Badroe said over the years the association has highlighted the widespread infrastructural and human resources deficiencies in repeated communications with the ministry of health and wellness. 

However, she said despite numerous letters and persistent efforts from the JMDA to engage the ministry, there has been limited response to some of these critical issues impacting both the healthcare workers and the quality of patient care.

She said the JMDA stands in solidarity with the hard-working doctors at the Bustamante Hospital for Children who continue to serve the nation and Caribbean tirelessly. 

In the meantime, she urged the ministry to take immediate action to resolve these ongoing and widespread infrastructural challenges noting that the association also stands ready to work with the ministry.