- Government to transform Jamaica’s oldest hospital
KINGSTON, Jamaica. Tuesday, June 10, 2025: As part of ongoing moves to modernise the island’s health infrastructure, the Government of Jamaica has turned its attention to the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), with plans now in motion for a major redevelopment of the nation’s oldest and busiest public medical facility.
This effort forms a part of the country’s most significant and far-reaching transformation in healthcare delivery since Independence.
“We need to avoid a second Cornwall Regional Hospital. As a Government, we are therefore now focusing on KPH. The facility has been plagued by challenges due to the age of the plant and poor maintenance,” noted Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, MP, in his Sectoral Presentation earlier today (June 10, 2025).
“I am happy to announce that we have now identified lands for lease to purchase and have commenced plans for a new KPH. A Land Use Survey Report was prepared on the properties around KPH, inclusive of the 35 parcels identified. The National Land Agency is coordinating the compulsory acquisition of the required lands,” Dr. Tufton added.
Opened in 1776, KPH has long stood as a cornerstone of public health care in the capital city, serving thousands of Jamaicans annually. With a current bed capacity of 484, the hospital has remained critical in responding to trauma cases, surgical emergencies, and specialist referrals.
The KPH project is part of a suite of capital investments currently transforming Jamaica’s public health landscape. These include major developments at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), where construction is expected to begin soon on a new six-storey, 120,000 square foot medical facility.
This new structure is expected to provide an additional 40 medical and surgical beds, upgraded outpatient and ambulatory surgery services, as well as modern lecture and conference spaces. The project also includes the enhancement of the cardiology hybrid interventional surgery room, a revamped neonatal intensive care unit, and improved administrative facilities.
MORE BUILDOUT
Dr. Tufton also highlighted the Western Child and Adolescent Hospital, a 220-bed facility that promises to expand paediatric and adolescent health services in the western health region.
Together with renovations at other facilities, including Spanish Town Hospital (129 new beds), St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital (8 beds), Chapelton Health Centre (32 beds), and Cornwall Regional Hospital (30 beds), the Ministry expects to bring more than 450 new hospital beds to the system in the near term.
These additions will be supported by 27 new operating theatres and a range of modern clinical and diagnostic services.
When combined with the approximately 384 bed spaces added over the last five years, including those added during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jamaica’s public health system now boasts more than 4,180 beds.
“These developments represent the most significant transformation in Jamaica’s healthcare history. They are not just about buildings, they are about better health outcomes, expanded services, and the creation of a resilient system capable of meeting the needs of every Jamaican,” the Minister told Parliament.