JMDA: Doctors to provide emergency services only today

The Jamaica Medical Doctors Association (JMDA) says doctors will provide only emergency services in the public-health system from 8:00 am today, as the association steps up pressure on the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) to deliver its long-awaited ruling on a $31-billion overtime dispute.

The JMDA said the disruption will continue until 8:00 am on Saturday, October 3, and warned the public to expect longer wait times, scaled-back services and delays in the completion of procedures.

The Health Ministry, meanwhile, says systems have been put in place by the regional health authorities to minimise the impact on patients. The JMDA also said it had activated relevant protocols to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes during the period of disruption.