THE EDITOR, Sir:
GOOD HEALTH is critical to a happy and productive life. The current decline in the economy and the overwhelming debt burden on the budget have curtailed the provision of health care and placed an enormous burden of prohibitive costs on sick patients which, combined with poor assessment of levels of indigence, has created severe barriers to health care with devastating consequences.
One of the highest costs of health care for the majority of Jamaicans is the high cost of prescription drugs, especially for the elderly. Many of these drugs are available internationally for much less than they are currently being sold. The health sector should have provided coverage so that all Jamaicans have access to quality health care, including specialised services.
The health sector of Jamaica should also place priority attention on the most vulnerable in society - children, the elderly and the physically challenged. Look for example at the lady who actually slept in front of a medical centre for four days without anybody giving her some attention. This should not be so and we will not have it any more; we are tired of being treated as if we are nothing in this country. The governance of this country is very poor; too much mismanagement going on. We are all in need of a better Jamaica.
I am, etc.,
KENTON BAILEY
Kenton_Bailey@Hotmail.com
16 Canary Avenue
Kingston 11
