September 1, 2026
JMDA monitors medical intern issues, proposes increase in numbers
Written byGeorgetta Williams
The Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA) says it continues to monitor issues relating to interns even as it has submitted proposals on how to increase their numbers.
The association met recently with Health Ministry representatives.
In June, medical interns staged a protest to register their frustration with a number of issues impacting them.
The JMDA disclosed then that there had been a significant drop in the number of interns working within medical facilities island-wide.
It said this had created significant human resource and clinical issues.
JMDA also indicated that in many facilities, the interns have been working for periods of 24 to 32 hours on some days.
In response, Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton released a statement on June 24, stating that he had ordered an audit and a review of the duty roster within three days.
Speaking with IRIE FM News, JMDA President Dr. Jubilee Brown-Service said the association wasn’t formally updated on that process until being invited to a meeting on August 7.
She noted that the association has not received any update on its suggestions and whether or not the Ministry will use any of them.
