Financing health care in Jamaica

RESUMO

Focuses on health care in Jamaica and ways of financing it. Looks at the macro-economic performance of the public health sector with the Ministry of Health receiving increased dollar support. Argues that despite severe difficulties, government has maintained its commitment to health. Discusses the public health care system in Jamaica, current financial issues, the cost of hospital care, efficiency of hospital care, shortage of doctors, nurses and the equity in hospital service delivery. Comments on private health care delivery with its in-patient and out-patient care. Analyses the efficiency and financial standing of the private health care sector and its link with third party payers. Examines health care demand, the access to health care service, the utliization of health care and the expenditure on it. Proposes some alternate health care financing through privatisation, divestiture, privatisation of public hospitals and instituting health facilities trust. Discusses outstanding issues in privatisation such as user fee policy and the administrative and financial management reforms to be put in place. Recommends reform to user fee, improving information, establishing a new national laboratory and upgrading skills of administrative management in order to improve health care.