ULTIMATUM

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton said the ministry is on high alert for any potential disruptions to the healthcare system by doctors.

“To the extent that it disrupts the health system, we have to put contingency in place, and I’ve advised the team to begin to put that preparation in place,” Tufton told The Gleaner yesterday.

The Jamaica Medical Doctors Association (JMDA) has warned of potential healthcare service disruptions if the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) fails to make a ruling in its case against the Government by Friday. It is seeking to claim $31 billion in outstanding overtime and incentive payments. The Government has calculated retroactive overtime payment for the doctors at $23 billion.