Where to go for affordable healthcare?

JAMAICA’S HEALTHCARE system continues to buckle under the weight of the surging cases of COVID-19. For good reason, Jamaicans and health experts have been focused on ensuring that those who have contracted the virus are given first priority when it comes to seeking out healthcare.

The pandemic has had a crippling effect on the economy and this has caused prices for the most basic products and services to skyrocket.

Although healthcare at public hospitals and clinics is free to all citizens and permanent residents in Jamaica, it can be difficult to access the services due to extended wait times and understaffed facilities. Many Jamaicans might want to go the route of private facilities for their healthcare, but simply do not have the means to do so.

The Gleaner’s Affordable Healthcare

Facilities and Supplies feature will help make sure you can find quality healthcare at a price that you can afford. Even though COVID-19 is the topic of discussion when it comes to healthcare, people still have non-COVID-related health concerns that they must deal with.

On February 23, The Gleaner reported that nine of Jamaica’s 13 hospitals were at 100 per cent capacity or greater. That leaves many Jamaicans with very limited options, so finding an affordable alternative is of grave importance.

Furthermore, Jamaica’s employed labour force suffered a six per cent decline at the end of July 2020 in comparison to July 2019, according to data from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica Labour Force Survey at the time.

Many people accessed health insurance through their employer, which means that many people will not have access to the necessary help needed to access health services at a reasonable cost.

This feature will present you with options you never knew you have and will ultimately help you take the necessary precautions to ensure you can stay healthy without breaking the bank.