The Government has begun identifying suitable lands for the construction of a new hospital in Portland, as growing demand for healthcare services continues to place pressure on the existing Port Antonio Hospital.
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton, made the disclosure during the recent handover ceremony for the upgraded Fellowship Community Health Centre and Katus Blakey Dental Clinic in the parish.
Tufton acknowledged that the Port Antonio Hospital can no longer adequately meet the healthcare needs of the parish amid continued development.
“The truth is, the demand on the facility is higher than the facility’s capacity to deliver,” he said.
According to the minister, the hospital’s current location presents major challenges, including limited space for expansion and difficulties accessing the facility during emergencies.
He noted that some Portland residents seek medical attention in neighbouring St Mary because of accessibility issues.
As part of efforts to address the situation, Tufton said discussions have already begun with the Port Authority of Jamaica regarding possible locations for a new hospital.
Consultations are also expected to involve the National Land Agency and the Urban Development Corporation.
The College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) has also been suggested as a potential location because of its extensive landholdings.
“We’re going to do some sort of comparison to see what is available and what is the most suitable,” Tufton explained.
The health minister said improvements to the road network, particularly through the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project, have made Portland more accessible and created opportunities for increased investment, tourism and residential development.
However, he noted that this growth is also expected to increase demand for healthcare and other essential services.
Tufton assured residents that they would be updated as the Government advances plans for the proposed hospital.
He said the administration intends to make significant progress during its current term in identifying a suitable location for the facility.
No construction timeline or estimated cost has been announced.
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