Several medical doctors who work in public hospitals across the island have reportedly called in sick today (July 1, 2021).

The sick-out comes on the heels of the expiration of the contracts of some 140 medical doctors last night.

The Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA) and the Health Ministry have been at odds over the offering of short-term contracts to doctors, among other issues.

The Health Ministry met with the doctors to discuss the concerns over the non-renewal of the contracts last evening, but that meeting reportedly ended without a favorable outcome.

Opposition Spokesman on Health, Dr. Morais Guy confirmed that he has gotten reports of the sick-out.

There are reports of lengthy delays at several hospitals across the island due to the absence of scheduled doctors.