$624 Million Approved to Upgrade Health Centres Across Jamaica – NHF Board

Kingston, Jamaica — Jamaica’s primary healthcare system is set for a major facelift, as the National Health Fund (NHF) Board has given the green light for $624 million in funding to upgrade and refurbish health centres islandwide.

Deputy Chairman Michael Stern made the announcement, noting that the projects will fall under the Government’s Operation Refresh initiative, aimed at modernizing health facilities to deliver high-quality service at the community level.

“We are seeing an increase in the number of persons going to health centres,” Stern said. “People are more comfortable now—just like in the hospitals—and we have trained personnel there to attend to patients.”

Stern explained that during a recent NHF Board retreat, several projects were reviewed and approved, and will now move into the tender process. Once tendered, the projects will begin across the island’s four regional health authorities.

The upgrades are expected to include improved infrastructure, additional medical personnel, and expanded services at local health centres.

Over the past five years, approximately 40 health centres have already benefited from upgrades under this programme.

The NHF, an agency of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, plays a critical role in funding healthcare initiatives, including pharmacy services, health promotion, and capital projects—with the overall goal of removing financial barriers to healthcare access for Jamaicans.