Health Ministry warns of possible service adjustments at some health facilities amid unease among doctors

The Ministry of Health and Wellness says some health facilities across Jamaica may need to make temporary adjustments to routine services in the coming days as doctors remain restive and have warned of industrial action.

The ministry, in a statement today, said members of the public may notice longer waiting times at some locations; the rescheduling of some non-urgent appointments, clinics and elective procedures; and adjusted opening hours at selected facilities.

It assured the public that emergency and essential health services remain available at public health facilities islandwide, while industrial relations matters involving medical doctors continue to be addressed.

The health ministry said that, working with regional health authorities, it had put measures in place to safeguard patient care.

These include having senior medical staff available at facilities to support coverage; giving priority to emergency and urgent care; and managing admissions and outpatient schedules so that resources are directed where they are most needed.

The health ministry said it is closely monitoring service delivery and will make changes as needed.

It is advising people with medical emergencies to go to the nearest accident and emergency department without delay.

Additionally, the health ministry said people on medication for chronic diseases should not allow their supplies to run out and should collect refills early, where possible.

The Jamaica Medical Doctors Association (JMDA) is pressing the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) to deliver its long-awaited ruling in the dispute over overtime payments.

The association is seeking an award of $31 billion in retroactive overtime payments, while the Government's calculation is $23 billion.

The JMDA says its case before the IDT was completed on April 1, 2026, after more than 170 pieces of evidence were presented. The doctors have been awaiting a ruling since then.

Meanwhile, the health ministry said it acknowledges the JMDA's concerns regarding the delivery of a decision by the IDT in relation to the dispute over overtime payments and related matters.

The ministry said it is also awaiting the IDT's decision and urged all parties to remain patient, given the complexity of the matters under consideration by the tribunal.

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