Councillor for the Waterford Division in St Catherine, Fenley Douglas, is urging the Government to establish a mandatory health insurance programme for Jamaica's route taxi operators, arguing that the sector places a significant financial burden on the country's public healthcare system.

Speaking at last Thursday's general meeting of the St Catherine Municipal Corporation, Douglas said the Government should urgently examine the proposal and implement a dedicated health insurance plan for public transport operators.

"This special health insurance should be managed through the various taxi associations, which should pay a part of the premium," Douglas stated, adding that it should be further extended to other public passenger vehicle (PPV) operators and their families.