1. What Are User Fees?

This is the contribution made by individuals who receive care at public health facilities. The amount paid by each individual depends on:
• Type of service(s) received
• Patient status (private/public)
• Individual health insurance benefits

2. What Are These Fees Used For?

The fees collected are mainly used to cover operational expenses such as buying pharmaceuticals, paying utility bills, cleaning services, catering for in-patients and security costs. The salaries of health workers, which make up approximately seventy-seven percent (77%) of the cost of delivering health care, is paid for through the budget allocated by the Government.

User fees are therefore very helpful in increasing the funds available for operational expenses and improving the care offered by public hospitals and clinics.

3. When Were User Fees Introduced?

User Fees for hospitals and clinics care were first introduced in Jamaica in 1984 to support the budget allocated to the health sector by the Government.

4. When Was The Last Time User Fees Were Increased?

User Fees were last increased five years ago in 1999. Since that time operational expenses have increased significantly.

5. What If I Am Having Difficulty In Paying My Bill?

If you are having problems in paying your hospital bill you can talk with an Assessment Officer or Hospital Administrative Staff. At the clinic you can speak with the nurse. These individuals will help you to work out a manageable payment plan.

If your financial situation is of such that you will need further assistance, these individuals will guide you accordingly.

6. Are There Persons Who Are Exempted From Paying User Fees?

In order to ensure that the health of certain categories of citizens is also protected, these groups are exempted from paying user fees.

The following are some persons who are not required to pay a fee for service.

1. Police on duty with proper ID
2. Infirmary residents
3. Residents of places of safety.
4. Beneficiaries of Social Safety Net Programmes
5. Primary school children in uniform, accompanied by a teacher.
6. Prisoner and other persons incarcerated in prisons, lockups and other correctional centres.
7. Ex-service men (veterans of the wars).
8. Fire men on duty with proper ID

All other persons must make a contribution to the health care they receive.

8. Are There Services That Are Rendered Free of Charge?

At health clinics the following services are offered free of charge:
1. Immunization
2. Family Planning
3. Antenatal Clinic
4. Post Natal Clinic
5. Child Health Clinic

7. Where are user fees paid?

Clients paying for their care should do so only to the cashiers at cashier windows in hospitals or where directed by an hospital personnel. Payments may be made using cash, debit/ATM cards and insurance cards. Be sure to ask for a receipt.

The provision of good quality health care is very expensive and user fees have assisted the public health sector to maintain and improve the delivery of health services to clients.

WE CARE. HELP US TO CARE EVEN BETTER.

STANDARDS & REGULATION DIVISION PHARMACEUTICAL & REGULATORY AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT - Registration of New Drugs

Right to Receive Appropriate Treatment and Care