Jamaica is advancing a major health infrastructure expansion programme, with new hospitals, upgraded facilities and 10 health centres at various stages of development across the country.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton outlined the developments while addressing the 63rd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization in Washington, D.C. The projects are intended to expand access to specialist and primary healthcare services.

Major projects include the rehabilitation of Cornwall Regional Hospital, construction of a new Pediatric and Adolescent Hospital, and development of an acute-care and diagnostic wing at Spanish Town Hospital.

The government is also developing larger, better-equipped primary-care facilities to provide more comprehensive services closer to communities. According to the minister, physician staffing has increased since the country's Physician Workforce Model was introduced in 2023, including growth in both primary and secondary care.

In addition, 105 health centres across five parishes are being renovated or rebuilt using Smart Health Facilities standards as part of post-hurricane recovery and health-system resilience efforts.

The programme represents a broad expansion of Jamaica’s hospital, primary-care and healthcare infrastructure as authorities work to increase capacity and access to medical services.