Above: Montego Bay

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Jamaica’s stated goal of transforming the country into a regional health tourism hub is “achievable,” according to Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson.

“We have some of the best health-trained personnel this side of the world (and) logistically, we are at the very centre of the Caribbean,” wrote recently in a message to the Jamaica Association of Health Service Executives conference. “The favourable health indicators that are associated with our success also tell us that we are ahead in being able to offer a level of service that is in line with First World requirements.”

Jamaica plans to establish its first health tourism facility in Montego Bay, a 75-bed facility that will involve an investment of $200 million.

The project is being handled jointly by both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment.

“Health tourism is not a far away dream,” Ferguson said. “It is a present reality.”