The Ministry of Health & Wellness is to complete an additional 1,000 elective surgeries under Project Code Care this year. The announcement was made by the Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton during his Sectoral presentation on May 3.
With 50 per cent of the surgery target for the project met in 2022/23, the Ministry is moving expeditiously to complete the other 50 per cent this year, thereby helping to further reduce the island’s surgical backlog, as well as wait times for the surgeries.
“This initiative, aimed at clearing up the backlog of elective surgeries partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen over 950 surgeries taking place through public-private partnerships involving eight private hospitals; short-term visiting medical missions primarily comprising operating theatre nurses from the diaspora; and special overtime sessions by our local surgery health teams,” explained Dr. Tufton.
“Despite some doubts expressed that this process could not work, we have demonstrated that through creative thinking and determination, we can join forces under the collaborative health theme to provide relief to hundreds of Jamaicans, who were suffering in silence or aloud for years waiting on badly needed surgeries,” the Minister added.
In addition to the surgeries, Dr. Tufton said the project also delivers on other things. “The Code Care project has several arms, including the procurement of equipment and supplies and repair to vital infrastructure. We have started the work to repair 15 operating theatres, with cost estimates completed, and are now looking to procure a contractor for the project. The Government is expected to spend $750 million towards this effort,” he noted.
“We must reduce the backlog and show compassion and respond to those Jamaicans waiting in pain,” the Minister insisted.
Persons who have been waiting for more than 12 months for hernia, prostate, fibroids or other womb-related surgeries are asked to contact the Ministry of Health & Wellness. The contact numbers are 876-320-8694, 876-320-9133, 876-320-9164, and 876-320-9373. Calls are to be made between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Mondays to Fridays. Members of the public can also e-mail projectcodecare@moh.gov.jm.
Persons will be required to provide their name, medical record number, the type of surgery and the health facility where they had their appointment. The last day to contact the Ministry is Wednesday, May 31, 2023.