KINGSTON–Protest action by doctors in the public health system yesterday has led to large crowds at public hospitals and clinics across the island.Caribbean360 reported that more than 60 per cent of the 2,500 government paid medical doctors who are attached to the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association and the Medical Association of Jamaica called in sick yesterday.
The Ministry of Health in confirming the reports of a strike said several health facilities have informed patients that only emergency cases, will be accepted.The South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) said the doctors at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), the largest in the island, called in sick.
Chairman of SERHA Lyttleton Shirley said precautionary measures were being implemented to ensure that patient care was not compromised and emergencies were being handled in the normal ways. He also confirmed that appointments were being cancelled.The Ministry of Health said it would initiate emergency protocols and notify the Ministry of Labour of the situation.