Let’s rethink the future of healthcare in Jamaica

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The concept of free healthcare in Jamaica is both visionary and admirable. It reflects a deep national value: that every citizen deserves access to care, no matter their income. But at this point, we must ask – not to criticise, but to reflect: Is the system still working?

Across the country, hospital infrastructure is crumbling. Emergency rooms are overcrowded. Wards are stretched beyond capacity. Imagine a surgical ward with 64 beds and only four nurses on duty. These healthcare workers are doing everything they can; but no matter how hard they work, there simply aren’t enough staff or resources to provide the care patients need.

This isn’t about the PNP or the JLP. It’s about a system that’s struggling – and the people caught in it.We all want healthcare and education to be free. But we must be honest: When the quality of care suffers, when access is delayed, when patients and providers are both exhausted, can we still call it free?

We all know the demands on the public healthcare system far outweigh the resources currently available. With limited funding, it becomes harder and harder to deliver quality care across the board. If we truly want better, we may all need to play a part in supporting it; not just those who pay into the National Insurance Scheme.

So here’s the hard truth: no party in an election year wants to be the one to say, ‘free healthcare’ isn’t working. But if we avoid the conversation, we risk losing what matters most – access, quality, dignity.

What if we introduced a small, reasonable fee for some services, with waivers or subsidies for those who can’t afford it? What if basic preventive care – vaccinations, screenings, maternal health – remain free for all, but other areas had more flexible funding?

Yes, we must avoid turning ‘small charges’ into new burdens. We’ve seen how toll roads can become financial traps. But doing nothing also has consequences. The system is breaking – and it’s breaking people with it.

This isn’t about abandoning the dream of free healthcare. It’s about saving it. Let’s be bold enough to rethink, and brave enough to act.

Jamaica deserves better. And we can build better – if we’re willing to face the truth together.

CONCERNED CITIZEN