This man was one of a number of persons waiting in the outpatient area at the Kingston Public Hospital in downtown Kingston for treatment on the first day since the abolition of user fees at the nation's public health facilities. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

The Ministry of Health says the first day of the abolition of user fees was a resounding success, with the exception of minor glitches in health facilities across the island.

The Government yesterday implemented the policy to use health facilities without paying fees, a promise made last year by the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) during its election campaign.

"Things went very well across the island. All the measures were put in place," Dr Marion Bullock-DuCasse, director of emergency services in the health ministry, told The Gleaner.

Contacted yesterday, the usually outspoken Edith Allwood-Anderson, president of the Nurses' Association of Jamaica, did not have much to say.

"For the first time in my life, I am observing. I am seeing all, hearing all and saying nothing," she said.

"I am waiting and seeing because the minister and others said all is well. So, all is well that ends well."

KPH calm

The anticipated crowd at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) did not materialise.

"We are pretty satisfied with how well the day has gone so far. We have not seen any increase in patients in accident and emergency (A&E)," said Donald Farquharson, chief executive officer at the KPH, yesterday afternoon.

When The Gleaner visited the facility yesterday morning, a tent had been erected just outside A&E. Farquharson said this was to accommodate the possible additional inflow of patients. He also disclosed that a one-visitor-per-patient policy had been implemented for A&E and the tent would also accommodate additional visitors.

At the pharmacy, a number system was introduced, but patients complained that they had to wait long periods. Also, some were forced to go to private pharmacies to buy medication that was not in stock.

"I waited about half an hour to get my mother's supplies, but they don't have all of them, so I am going to have to buy the others," said Lola Hall.

"How dem expect people to come and sit here so long and then dem nuh have the medication?" questioned a man who declined to give his name. "That's why dem seh nutten too free nuh good."

However, Farquharson said the hospital had increased pharmaceutical supplies by 30 per cent. He noted that there could be a shortage of a specific drugs and added that they would be looking into the matter.