Health + Tech | How Jamaica’s healthcare transformation compares to the Caribbean

In recent years, the Caribbean has been working towards modernising its healthcare systems through digital transformation. The goal is to improve patient care, streamline operations, and create better health outcomes for people across the region. Jamaica has taken steps in this direction, but progress varies when compared to some of its neighbours. Looking at what’s happening across the region gives a clearer picture of where we stand and what can be learnt from others.

Jamaica has been actively pushing towards digitising healthcare. In July 2023, the Ministry of Health and Wellness introduced an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system under the Health System Strengthening Programme (HSSP). This initiative, backed by a US$50-million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), aims to modernise patient record-keeping and improve how services are delivered. A UK-based company, Phoenix Partnership (TPP), has been contracted to provide the system, marking a major step towards creating a more efficient digital health network.

Alongside this, Jamaica has also been using digital tools to improve medical education and access to specialist care. The ECHO model, for example, has allowed doctors to continue their training while also connecting with specialists for expert guidance, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic (ECHO Institute, 2021). In addition, the University Hospital of the West Indies embarked on implementing a programme of digitisation since 2016.

While Jamaica has made progress, some Caribbean countries have moved at an even faster pace with their digital health strategies. Trinidad and Tobago, for instance, is considered a strong example of how digital transformation can reshape healthcare. The country has been focused on integrating digital solutions to boost efficiency, cut costs, and improve how health professionals work together. One key initiative has been the rollout of telemedicine services, allowing patients to consult with doctors remotely, which has helped to ease pressure on hospitals. The country has also invested in integrated health information systems that link patient records across different facilities, ensuring that medical history is easily accessible no matter where someone seeks care ( Caribbean Medical Journal, 2022).

Barbados has also been ahead in adopting digital health tools. Several of its public hospitals and clinics now use electronic medical records to improve patient management, making it easier for doctors to access up-to-date medical histories. The country has also embraced telehealth, ensuring that people in rural areas can receive medical advice without needing to travel long distances. These efforts have helped make healthcare more efficient and accessible, especially for those who might struggle with mobility or transport issues (Government of Barbados, 2023).

Despite these advancements, the Caribbean as a whole, including Jamaica, still faces hurdles in fully embracing digital healthcare. A report by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) revealed that only 11 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have laws governing electronic health record systems, and just 14 out of 26 surveyed have a national healthcare strategy that includes digital health. Without strong policies and a clear plan, rolling out digital solutions can be slow and inconsistent (IDB Report, 2023).

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in healthcare systems across the region, but it also pushed many governments to adopt digital tools more quickly. Telemedicine, electronic health records, and other digital solutions have gained more attention, and there is now more willingness to invest in them (PAHO, 2022).

For Jamaica to keep up with the pace of digital transformation in healthcare, several things need to happen. First, more investment is required in infrastructure to support digital health initiatives. Reliable internet connectivity, secure data storage, and modern hospital systems are essential for making digital healthcare work smoothly. There also needs to be stronger policies and laws to guide how digital health tools are used, ensuring patient data remains protected while encouraging innovation.

We have made significant progress in our journey towards healthcare digitisation, but there is still a long way to go. The path to full digital integration is not an easy one, but with careful planning and collaboration, it is possible to create a system that delivers better care to Jamaicans and sets a higher standard for healthcare in the region.

Doug Halsall is the chairman and CEO of Advanced Integrated Systems. Email feedback to doug.halsall@gmail.com and editorial@gleanerjm.com.