Jamaica expands health infrastructure with new hospitals, health centres

Jamaica is undertaking a major expansion and rehabilitation of its health infrastructure, with new hospitals, upgraded facilities and 10 health centres at various stages of development, Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton said.

Tufton made the remarks while addressing the 63rd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 28, 2026. He said the investments form part of Jamaica’s broader effort to strengthen the health system and improve access to specialist and primary care.

Among the major projects are the ongoing rehabilitation of Cornwall Regional Hospital, construction of a new Pediatric and Adolescent Hospital, and development of a new acute-care and diagnostic wing at Spanish Town Hospital.

“These investments will expand bed capacity and strengthen Jamaica’s ability to provide advanced diagnostic and specialist care,” Tufton said.

At the primary-care level, 10 new health centres are also at various stages of completion. Tufton said the facilities are being developed to provide larger, better-equipped spaces capable of delivering comprehensive, patient-centred care closer to communities.

Expanding the medical workforce

Tufton also highlighted efforts to strengthen Jamaica’s medical workforce.

He said that since the development of the country’s Physician Workforce Model in 2023, physician staffing has increased by 45% in primary care and 17% in secondary care. The number of specialists working in Jamaica’s hospitals has also increased by more than 20%, he said.

Post-hurricane rebuilding

Tufton said Jamaica is also incorporating greater climate resilience into its health infrastructure, particularly following Hurricane Melissa.

A total of 105 health centres in five affected parishes are being renovated or rebuilt using Smart Health Facilities standards, with some facilities also being expanded under the country’s Primary Health Care Reform programme.

The investments are intended not only to restore damaged facilities but also to improve the health system’s ability to withstand future climate-related emergencies, he said.

Progress on disease elimination

Tufton also reported progress in Jamaica’s efforts to eliminate communicable diseases.

He noted that the country has achieved and sustained validation for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.

Gains in child health

The minister pointed to improvements in immunisation and maternal and child health as further evidence of progress in the health sector.

In 2025, Jamaica recorded more than 95% immunisation coverage for BCG, Polio 3, DPT 3, Hib 3 and Hepatitis B 3, while MMR coverage reached 93%.

In 2024, Jamaica achieved the Sustainable Development Goal target for neonatal mortality, recording 11.1 deaths per 1,000 live births. Under-five mortality stood at 15.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, below the SDG target.

Tufton also said Jamaica has recorded a consistent decrease in maternal mortality since 2022.

He said the progress demonstrated the value of national investment supported by regional cooperation, and thanked PAHO, Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, the PAHO Jamaica Country Office and other partners for their continued technical assistance.

Looking ahead, Tufton said Jamaica would continue to focus on strengthening primary health care, expanding its specialist workforce, tackling noncommunicable diseases, accelerating digital transformation, strengthening health security and building resilient health infrastructure.

“Jamaica remains firmly committed to Pan-American solidarity and to our shared goal of equitable, resilient and universal health for all,” he said.