Readers’ reactions

Tufton: Jamaica’s health service better than five years ago

“Still not sufficient. A lot more needs to be done, especially at the flagship hospital.” – @pearson_so1968

“What is the instrument of measurement?” – @MoonLambe13

“COVID-19 was five years ago, sir. You cannot campare anything to a year when the entire country was on lockdown for months and the health sector was under stress from COVID patients.” – @shargrant

“Healthcare system is stronger, but some workers are ‘weak’. No professionalism, no sympathy, no compassion and no passion for their jobs. The patients’ experiences should be positive, in the sense of feeling respected, cared for and being informed. Empathy and dignity must be given by all staff members.” – Kerry-ann Fereria

“Where is the empirical evidence? Are wait times less? Are mortality rates better? How many BILLIONS has it taken?” – @likle_wiked

“In November, my father crashed (right off) and couldn’t get an X-ray at Princess Margaret Hospital. If this is the better we speak of, we have a long way to go and nothing to boast about.” – @LeLaurentChev

“What parameters are we using to come to such conclusions? What are the markers of improvement? Any objective evidence/research? Do the patients/public feel the same?” – @docweezy8

“The declarations, and the arbitrary timelines ... they create almost illogical discussion points. So when someone points out that, for example, maternity death rates are higher, or surgery wait times have increased, how do you square it with broad statements like this?” – @gavinmyaz

“Based on what? Cuz if we looking at mortality rates, it might spell [out] a different picture than the one being painted here.” – @FaBlake31

“Note to detractors, he didn’t say it’s perfect, he said ‘better’.” – Cornell Christopher Wan

“The small accomplishments are long overdue. More would be absolutely better. Many areas needs fixing and restructuring, as well as extra staff for critical departments.” – Mandella Miller

“Well, I can say the health sector is better than it was 10 years ago. I am currently admitted at the hospital and the service is way better than it was years ago, I can say that. “Yes, there is a lot of problems, especially staffing issues, but the level of care is quite OK for me.” – Ian Williams

“He can’t be serious with that statement.” – Andrew Karim

Readers’ reactions sourced from The Gleaner’s X, formerly Twitter, and Facebook pages. Compiled by Khanique McDaniel

“When he says ‘stronger’, what does he mean? What yardstick is used for measuring here? I’m very big on learning and understanding.” – Phoenix Semaj

“It is far better now than then.” – Kerlene Dawkins

“This Gov’t want applause for the bare minimum.” – Gail Burkett

“Yeah, right, and my dog is a cat.” – Shevon Samuels

Readers’ reactions sourced from The Gleaner’s X, formerly Twitter, and Facebook pages. Compiled by Khanique McDaniel