AGP Executive Report

Hospital Accountability: UHWI says it’s launching major reforms to overhaul operations, finances and governance after PAC scrutiny and an auditor general report flagged missing procurement files, weak record-keeping and long-running financial issues. Patient Care Partnerships: Kingston Public Hospital marks 250 years and is urging corporate partners to help modernise facilities and improve patient care, serving 160,000+ patients yearly. Specialist Support for Westmoreland: JAAC donates a US$30,000 laparoscopic tower to Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital to boost surgeries and outreach. Mosquito Control Push: Hanover Health Department adds eight fogging machines to cut Aedes aegypti risk after May inspections found 836 positive premises (target: below 5%). Community Health Access: Diaspora-led outreach served about 40 patients at Catherine Hall and Granville health centres with screenings and education. Disability Townhall: JCPD holds a June 23 St. Thomas townhall at Colonel’s Cove, offering links to services including PATH and free birth certificates. Violence & Health Impact: A Naggo Head Portmore attack killed two teens and injured a pregnant woman; police say they’re targeting criminal elements. Migration & Health Processing: Portland police custody for Haitian arrivals rose to 28, with screening and medical checks underway. Public Health Tech: Wizdom CRM launches a multi-provider “Super AI Engine” aimed at improving financial literacy across the Caribbean.

Patient Care Partnerships: Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) marks 250 years of service and is calling on corporate partners to help modernise facilities and improve patient experiences, as it serves 160,000 patients yearly and handles 2,000+ clinic visits daily. Diaspora Health Support: Jamaica’s diaspora delivered primary care and screenings at the reopened Catherine Hall Community Health Centre in St. James (and outreach at Granville Health Centre), serving about 40 patients, with teams from Florida working alongside local health staff and partners. Specialist Equipment Boost: JAAC donated a US$30,000 laparoscopic tower to Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital to strengthen surgery and outreach in western Jamaica. Mosquito Control Push: Hanover Health Department received eight fogging machines to cut Aedes aegypti mosquito risk, after May inspections found 836 positive premises (5% index target). Migration & Health Processing: In Portland, police custody rose to 28 Haitians after additional men were found near Passley Gardens and CASE, with screening and medical checks underway. Community Safety: Portmore’s Naggo Head saw a suspected targeted attack where two teens were killed and a pregnant woman injured, prompting heightened police operations. Wellness & Care Access: CO2LIFT® hosted a week-long medical retreat in Jamaica bringing 40+ physicians and surgeons together to advance standards of care.

Public Safety: Two teenagers were killed and a woman injured in a suspected targeted rifle attack in Naggo Head, Portmore; police say the victims were shot in the head and upper body and were taken to Spanish Town Hospital. Health & Travel: Jamaica’s Level 2 U.S. travel advisory urges visitors to plan carefully, with some parishes flagged as higher-risk Level 4 “Do Not Travel” areas, and reminders to confirm medical coverage and evacuation support in travel insurance. Medical Tourism/Wellness: CO2LIFT® hosted a week-long retreat in Jamaica for 40+ physicians and surgeons focused on clinical excellence and women’s health. Care Access: A woman with polymyositis says she needs expensive Rituximab doses after a flare-up and is seeking help as costs threaten her treatment. Community Health: Jamaica’s Ministry of National Security and Peace says it’s strengthening state presence to address violence beyond crime, including school and domestic violence, with support from Health and other agencies. Food Safety: Clarendon authorities warn consumers after eight cows were stolen and illegally slaughtered, urging purchases only from licensed vendors. Senior Support: A Senior Entrepreneurship Programme is training Jamaicans 60+ to build income through crafts, with structured coaching and market access. Maternal Care Funding: Victoria Jubilee Hospital is set to receive a $32M boost for maternal and neonatal services.

Cardiac Care Relief: The National Health Fund (NHF) increased subsidies on 18 cardiovascular drug items, with rises from $40 to over $200 per tablet/capsule, and added new cardiovascular diagnostic supports like annual echocardiogram and ECG subsidies for NHFCard beneficiaries. Food Safety Warning: Jamaica’s Agricultural Protection Branch urged the public to be cautious after eight cows were illegally slaughtered in Clarendon; uninspected meat could pose a serious public health risk, so buyers should stick to licensed vendors. Maternal Health Boost: Victoria Jubilee Hospital received a $32M boost for maternal and neonatal care, including new maternal monitoring machines. Access to Care for Seniors: A new Senior Entrepreneurship Programme is equipping Jamaicans aged 60+ with skills and resources to generate income, easing pressure on families while supporting older adults’ independence. Community Violence Prevention: The Ministry of National Security and Peace says it will strengthen state presence in communities, expanding beyond crime-fighting to target school violence, domestic violence, and other social drivers of harm. Bullying and NCD Prevention in Schools: Advocates call for a multi-agency approach to rising school bullying, while Fi We Children backs school gardens as a practical way to improve nutrition and reduce NCD risk among youth. Health Support via Diaspora: Diaspora groups and partners backed education and healthcare projects, including medical outreach benefits for Westmoreland residents.

Cardiovascular Care Relief: The National Health Fund (NHF) has increased subsidies on 18 cardiovascular drug items, with price support ranging from $40 to over $200 per tablet/capsule, and added new cardiovascular diagnostic benefits (annual echocardiogram and ECG subsidies) to ease costs for patients managing hypertension and heart-related conditions. School Nutrition & NCD Prevention: Fi We Children Foundation is backing the National School Garden Project and the National School Nutrition Policy, saying school gardens help children build healthier eating habits and tackle childhood obesity and non-communicable diseases. Bullying in Schools: Child protection advocates say bullying reports are rising and warn that discipline alone won’t fix it—schools, families, churches and agencies must work together to address the emotional and social drivers. Autism & Family Support: Dancehall entertainer Mr G shared an update on his 20-year-old autistic son, saying behavioural therapy is boosting independence skills like tying shoelaces and using computer programmes. Public Health Alert on Beef: Jamaica Constabulary Force Agricultural Protection Branch urges caution after eight cows were illegally slaughtered in Clarendon, warning consumers to buy only from licensed vendors due to lack of veterinary inspection. Regional Ocean Collaboration: Jamaica and Barbados signed on to the Wider Caribbean Ocean Coordination Mechanism, expanding regional cooperation to protect marine ecosystems and support sustainable ocean development. Fatherhood Spotlight: Sixty-one fathers and father figures were honoured at Jamaica’s Outstanding Fathers Award Ceremony, celebrating resilience and commitment to family and community. Diaspora Health Interest: At the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, attendees highlighted healthcare access as a top priority, with some exploring return plans and investment in Jamaica’s health sector.

NHFCard Relief for Heart Patients: The National Health Fund increased subsidies on 18 cardiovascular drug items (from $40 to over $200 per tablet/capsule) and added/expanded support for hypertension, cholesterol and related care, including annual subsidies for echocardiograms and ECGs. North Coast Healthcare Upgrade: Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton says restoration at Cornwall Regional Hospital and the near-opening of the Western Child and Adolescent Hospital will expand modern services for children and adolescents within months. School Gardens for NCD Prevention: Fi We Children Foundation backs the National School Garden Project, saying hands-on growing and nutrition education can help curb childhood obesity and support the National School Nutrition Policy. Oral Health in the Classroom: Wide Smiles Dental partnered with Port Maria Infant School to teach brushing, flossing and the role of sugary foods in tooth decay. Beef Safety Warning: Jamaica’s Agricultural Protection Branch warns residents to avoid beef from unverified sellers after eight cows were illegally slaughtered in Clarendon without mandatory veterinary inspection. Diaspora Health Support: A Jamaica Nurses’ Association of Florida outreach mission delivered free screenings, medication and supplies to nearly 1,000 people in Westmoreland, with EKG support and student back-to-school assistance. Maternal Care Boost: Victoria Jubilee Hospital received new maternal and neonatal monitoring machines, strengthening care for mothers and babies.

Third-Country Transit Deal: Jamaica signed a US MOU to let up to 25 third-country nationals transit through the island every two weeks, with the US covering initial stay costs; Jamaica says it’s not permanent settlement and can refuse individuals or end the deal. Cardiovascular Cost Relief: The National Health Fund boosted subsidies on 18 cardiovascular drug items (from $40 to $200+ per tablet/capsule) and added heart-failure support plus annual ECG/echocardiogram subsidies to ease pressure on NHFCard beneficiaries. Youth Nutrition & NCD Prevention: Fi We Children backs the National School Garden Project, saying hands-on gardens help students make healthier food choices as Jamaica tackles rising childhood obesity and NCDs. School Garden Showcase: The National School Garden Grand Exhibition 2026 celebrated “From the Farm to the Table” projects, with the programme growing from 23 schools and $10M in 2024 to a wider third phase. Mental Health for Children: NCDA warns that children can face stress, trauma and anxiety too, urging adults to watch for behaviour changes and support early. North Coast Healthcare Upgrade: Health Minister Tufton says Cornwall Regional Hospital restoration is nearing completion and the Western Child and Adolescent Hospital is close to opening, promising expanded services. Blood Donation Push: The Ministry of Health launched the Lifesavers Club and called for continuous blood donation to reduce reliance on replacement giving. Oral Health for Infants: Wide Smiles Dental partnered with Port Maria Infant School to teach brushing, flossing and the link between sugary snacks and tooth decay. Community Health Outreach: A Jamaica Nurses’ Association of Florida mission delivered free screenings, medication and supplies to nearly 1,000 people in Westmoreland after Hurricane Melissa. Crime & Safety in Negril: Residents fear Negril’s reputation is slipping after the murder of yoga teacher Francoise Simonet-Johnson, the second high-profile killing in under a month.

Blood Donation Push: Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness launched the Lifesavers Club to build a steady base of repeat voluntary donors, urging Jamaicans to move beyond “replacement” giving so patients needing surgery, childbirth care, and sickle cell or childhood cancer treatment aren’t left vulnerable. School Nutrition Focus: The Education Ministry highlighted the role of school cooks in student health and learning, noting certification for more than 300 cooks as part of efforts to strengthen nutrition support in schools. Diaspora-Driven Care: A Jamaica Nurses’ Association of Florida outreach mission delivered free screenings, medication, and supplies to nearly 1,000 people in Westmoreland, with support for students’ medical clearance after Hurricane Melissa. Regional Health Collaboration: At Signal Jamaica, Caribbean leaders and diaspora stakeholders discussed how to strengthen healthcare resilience, citing Hurricane Melissa as a wake-up call for better systems and cross-border support. Hurricane Readiness: JPS says it has started fortifying systems for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, building inventories and partnering for faster restoration. Digital Safety Debate: Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network says it supports addressing online risks for children, but questions a blanket social media ban under 16, arguing for smarter safeguards instead. Local Health & Community: Negril residents renewed calls for action after another high-profile murder, while community groups continue pushing wellness and support initiatives.

Blood Donation Push: Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has launched the Lifesavers Club to build a steady base of repeat voluntary donors, urging Jamaicans to move from “replacement” giving to continuous blood donation to protect patients needing surgery, childbirth care, and treatment for sickle cell and childhood cancers. School Nutrition Focus: The Education Ministry is spotlighting school cooks as key to student health and learning, with HEART/NSTA Trust support helping certify 300+ cooks nationwide. Hospital Support: Savannah-la-Mar Public General Hospital received medical and laundry equipment worth over J$20 million from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to strengthen A&E services and diagnostic capacity. Governance & Health System Risks: Opposition and civil society are intensifying calls for Cabinet action against Dr Andrew Wheatley after an Integrity Commission recommendation for illicit enrichment charges, raising concerns about leadership and public trust. Regional Health Collaboration: CARICOM and PAHO are driving efforts to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B. Ocean Health & Wellness Link: Jamaica has signed onto the Ocean Coordination Mechanism, strengthening Caribbean blue-economy and marine protection cooperation ahead of the 2029 Our Ocean Conference in Montego Bay.

CARE Fund Launch: Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has opened a call for proposals under the new $500-million Community Arranged Response Efforts (CARE) Fund, backing community and faith groups to expand health and wellness work beyond hospitals. Mental Health Support: Bellevue Hospital CEO Suzette Buchanan says mental health ER visits have stayed high since COVID-19, and she’s urging diaspora help to strengthen care. Diaspora Healthcare Coordination: We WHISTLE Global’s “Signal Jamaica” convened diaspora leaders in Montego Bay to push better coordination of healthcare expertise, investment, and disaster resilience. Food Security & Resilience: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green announced plans to plant 3,000 hectares of fruit trees by 2035, with free planting material and technical support to boost long-term food security after Hurricane Melissa. Ocean Governance: Jamaica signed onto the Ocean Coordination Mechanism via an MoU with Barbados, strengthening regional blue-economy cooperation. Road Safety: Multiple fatal crashes were reported, including a three-vehicle collision in Trelawny and a fatal crash in Manchester, underscoring ongoing injury and death risks. Health System Capacity: Victoria Jubilee Hospital received maternal and neonatal monitoring machines, while KPH surgery disruptions tied to air-conditioning issues were also reported. Policy & Access: Jamaica signed an MoU with the US to facilitate third-country nationals’ transit through the island, with medical and documentation details to be shared before transfers.

Accountability in Healthcare: Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says an accountability framework will be signed this Friday with regional health authorities, targeting gaps in administrative performance and improving transparency and responsiveness, amid concerns about empathy and patient experience. Mental Health Demand: Bellevue Hospital CEO Suzette Buchanan reports a sustained rise in patients seeking mental health care since COVID-19, with disaster periods like Hurricane Melissa expected to push needs even higher. Caregiver Support: Tufton also floated a census to map and better support Jamaica’s estimated 150,000 underpaid caregivers, aiming to build a clearer database for planning and training. Maternal Care Boost: Victoria Jubilee Hospital is set to receive $32M for maternal and neonatal services, including new monitoring equipment to strengthen care. Local Health Supply Help: St. Jago Health Centre in St. Catherine received $5M in medical supplies from the diaspora charity Living Well Community Care Centre, supporting ongoing recovery after Hurricane Melissa. Wellness for Women: Jamaican wellness coach Denesha Bailey launched “My Healing Notes,” a Caribbean-focused app for women managing PMOS/PCOS with symptom tracking and practical lifestyle tools.

Health Accountability: Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says an accountability framework for the health sector will be signed this Friday with regional authorities, aiming to strengthen oversight, transparency, and responsiveness after concerns about service empathy and performance. Patient Rights: Tufton also reiterated that Jamaica’s Patients’ Charter sets out rights and responsibilities, including informed consent, confidentiality, and complaint pathways up to the courts. Maternal Care Upgrade: Victoria Jubilee Hospital is getting maternal monitoring machines, alongside a reported $32M boost for maternal and neonatal care. Blood Supply Push: The National Blood Transfusion Service is rolling out eDelphi software to improve blood collection and scheduling, while launching a Lifesavers Club to grow regular voluntary donors. Medication Safety Warning: Barbados’ Forde backs tighter rules to curb abuse of over-the-counter and leftover drugs, including dangerous “lean” mixing. PMOS Support App: Jamaican wellness coach Denesha Bailey is using her Caribbean-focused app, My Healing Notes, to help women manage PMOS with practical daily tools. UHWI Governance Pressure: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee moves toward contempt action after UHWI CEO Fitzgerald Mitchell’s no-show, with calls for stronger enforcement. Public Health Compliance: St James warns travellers who breach Ebola quarantine rules can face fines up to $1M, citing high screening and compliance rates. Community Health Outreach: A US-based mission delivered rehab, check-ups, dentistry, Pap smears, diabetes screening, and mental health support at a St Catherine facility. Nutrition in Schools: NSSC says poor nutrition is affecting students’ health and academic performance, while other reports highlight compliance wins under Jamaica’s school nutrition policy. Food & Wellness Supply: Scotch bonnet shortages are squeezing hot pepper sauce production, pushing suppliers to adapt as weather and pests hit yields.

Hospital Care Upgrade: Mandeville Regional Hospital (MRH) carried out Jamaica’s first scar-free minimally invasive vaginal surgery (vNOTES) during a June 9–11 mission, completing about 21 advanced procedures with specialist support from the Jamaica Awareness Association of California. Health System Accountability: Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton says an accountability framework will be signed this Friday by all four regional health authorities, targeting procurement and administrative shortcomings. Maternal & Child Health: CARICOM and PAHO pushed efforts to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, focusing on prevention, testing of pregnant women and infant follow-up. Public Health Governance: Jamaica’s Public Accounts Committee again moved to enforce attendance after UHWI CEO Fitzgerald Mitchell’s no-shows, with contempt penalties under scrutiny. Nutrition in Schools: Cascade Primary and Infant School in Portland became the first in Jamaica to fully implement the National School Nutrition Policy, limiting sugary/ultra-processed foods and strengthening nutrition education. Medication Safety: Barbados’ Medical Products Bill highlights the risk of “lean” made from over-the-counter and leftover prescription drugs mixed into sweets, calling for tighter regulation and inspections. Disaster Preparedness: St Mary residents were urged to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season by securing supplies, keeping documents and medications accessible, and improving flood-risk building practices.

Ebola Preparedness: Jamaica says it has activated precautionary Ebola measures after DR Congo’s outbreak, with travellers under self-quarantine and the island reporting disease-free status. Maternal Health: CARICOM and PAHO are pushing to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, focusing on better detection, monitoring and lab systems. Hospital Accountability: Jamaica’s Public Accounts Committee moves to seek contempt charges against UHWI CEO Fitzgerald Mitchell after he failed to attend a hearing tied to governance and procurement concerns. Surgical Service Strain: Opposition health spokesperson Dr. Alfred Dawes warns operating theatre failures at Kingston Public Hospital and Bustamante Hospital for Children are again disrupting elective surgeries. Foetal Monitoring Boost: Victoria Jubilee Hospital received 14 maternal monitoring machines (CTG and ultrasound) to strengthen early detection of pregnancy complications. Child Health & Food: NSSC reports poor nutrition in schools—high sugar, fast food dominance and affordability barriers—hurting students’ health and learning. Child Online Safety: Advocates back a proposed social media restriction for children under 16, calling for evidence-based protection that also supports participation and development. Tourism Innovation: TEF’s Tourism Innovation Incubator opens for applications, with a June 17 deadline for tourism-linked ideas.

Maternal Health Boost: Victoria Jubilee Hospital received 14 foetal monitoring machines (13 CTG and 1 ultrasound) worth $32 million, easing a long-running shortage and improving early detection of pregnancy complications. Surgical Services Under Strain: Opposition health spokesperson Dr Alfred Dawes says operating theatres at Kingston Public Hospital and Bustamante Hospital for Children remain disrupted by recurring infrastructure failures, with KPH citing central air-conditioning problems and plans to replace ageing units. School Nutrition Alarm: The National Secondary Students’ Council warns poor nutrition, high sugar intake and student hunger are affecting health and learning, urging action as many schools fall short of the National School Nutrition Policy. Child Safety Online: Fi We Children Foundation says restricting social media access for under-16s won’t be enough, calling for stronger laws, child-centred platform design and better privacy defaults. Public Health in the Community: After Hurricane Melissa, Project STAR ran medical hubs in Salt Spring and Savanna-la-Mar, providing consultations, checks and health education to nearly 200 residents. Accidental Poisoning Warning: Westmoreland Health Department urges parents to secure household chemicals and medicines during summer break, citing high rates among children aged 1–4. Health Sector Finance: Indies Pharma Jamaica reports a 38.5% decline in net profit for the six months to April 30, attributing disruption to Hurricane Melissa while noting signs of recovery.

Surgical Services Crisis: Opposition health spokesperson Dr Alfred Dawes says operating theatres at Kingston Public Hospital and Bustamante Hospital for Children remain offline due to recurring infrastructure failures, disrupting elective surgeries and lifesaving missions, while KPH says air-conditioning repairs are underway and parts are being air-freighted. School Nutrition Watch: The National Secondary Students’ Council warns poor nutrition in some Jamaican schools is hurting students’ health and performance, citing fast food and sugary drinks as major drivers, plus affordability barriers to healthier options. Hurricane Recovery Care: Project STAR reports nearly 200 residents in Salt Spring, St James and Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland accessed medical hubs after Hurricane Melissa, including checks for blood pressure, glucose and BMI plus health education. Child Safety Reminder: Westmoreland Health Department urges parents to prevent accidental poisoning during summer break, noting most cases involve children aged 1–4 and calling for safer storage of household chemicals and medicines. Care Access & Prevention: JN Life Insurance’s men’s health advocate Hugh Reid stresses prevention for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, warning that neglect can hit families and the wider economy. Digital Child Protection Debate: Fi We Children Foundation says restricting social media access for under-16s won’t be enough without stronger laws and child-safe platform design. Local Health System Updates: KPH management confirms AC problems in two theatres are affecting surgery schedules and says replacement work is advanced. Public Health Misinformation: Jamaica Constabulary Force debunks a false social media claim that nine-year-old Adonai Thomas is missing, urging the public to stop sharing unverified posts.