Executive Director of the Caribbean Policy Research Institute, CAPRI, Dr. Damien King has been tasked with leading a health care financing review.

This in the wake of escalating costs associated with the provision of health care, particularly at the National Health Fund, NHF.

The announcement was made today (May 3), by Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton, in his Sectoral Debate presentation.

Dr. Tufton pointed out that the ministry intends to prioritise sustainable health financing over the next year.

Dr. Tufton noted that the review comes as Jamaica faces spiraling health care costs and there is a need to address the sick profile of the country, which faces a growing challenge with lifestyle diseases.

The Minister said with the projected increases, the NHF, will possibly need about 40 billion dollars, over the next 3 years in order the treat sick citizens.

He noted that it’s critical to move with urgency, to finalise a comprehensive approach to sustainable financing.