Trending/health· Updated Nov 5, 2026

World Bank Review Flags Jamaica Health Gaps as Tufton and Dawes Respond

A World Bank review found gains in Jamaica’s health financing and access but persistent mortality, staffing and primary-care gaps. The Government cites it for 2030 reforms, while the opposition seeks spending changes and stronger oversight.

Photo via Jamaica Observer · from Hard truths

4 reports from 2 outlets · First reported Wed, Nov 4

Summary

Updated Nov 5, 2026

The World Bank review found gains in health funding, medicine access and facility upgrades, alongside major gaps in primary care and staffing.
Jamaica Observer +1
Government funding covers 68% of health costs and out-of-pocket payments have fallen to 15%, according to Tufton.
Jamaica Gleaner
Tufton says the review will guide Vision for Health 2030, while Dawes seeks restructured spending and stronger regional-health-authority accountability.
Jamaica Gleaner +2
Maternal and neonatal mortality and deaths from non-communicable diseases remain high, according to the review.
Jamaica Observer +3

Automatically summarised from the coverage below.

Coverage

Nov 5, 2026

Dawes calls for restructuring of health sector spending to improve outcomes

Opposition health spokesman Dr Alfred Dawes is urging the Government to restructure health spending after a World Bank review said Jamaica’s health system still has high maternal and neonatal deaths despite a sharp budget increase. He says the priority should be better-staffed health centres, more training and retention of health workers, upgraded hospital equipment, and stricter performance reporting.

Nov 5, 2026

Dawes questions impact of increased health spending amid maternal, neonatal mortality concerns

Opposition health spokesman Dr Alfred Dawes says Jamaica’s more than tripled public health budget has not delivered better outcomes, citing a World Bank review that found maternal and neonatal mortality still unacceptably high, along with rising chronic disease deaths, medication costs and staffing gaps. He is calling for more investment in primary care and stronger accountability for regional health authorities.

Nov 5, 2026

Tufton welcomes findings of World Bank health review

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said a World Bank review shows Jamaica has made “real progress” in health spending, access to medicines and facility upgrades, with government funding now covering 68% of health costs and out-of-pocket payments down to 15%. He said the findings also highlight gaps in primary care, staffing and NCD-related deaths, which will shape the Vision for Health 2030 reforms.

Nov 4, 2026

Hard truths

A World Bank review of Jamaica’s health sector found progress in funding, staffing and facilities, but warned that non-communicable diseases cause nearly 80 per cent of deaths, while maternal and neonatal mortality remain too high. Health Minister Christopher Tufton said the findings support the government’s 2030 reform plan, but Opposition spokesman Dr Alfred Dawes said higher spending has not produced better care.

World Bank Review Flags Jamaica Health Gaps as Tufton and Dawes Respond

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