Therese Turner-Jones leaves a legacy to public health

THE EDITOR, Madam:

One of my first trips after being appointed Minister of Health and Wellness (MOHW) over five years ago was to Washington, DC, where I met with the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) to discuss funding possibilities for badly needed public health infrastructure upgrade.

Fast-forward to the year 2021, and I am proud to have unveiled the most ambitious upgrade and expansion plan of any government post-independence, involving hospital and health centre building upgrades, health information system installation, and diagnostic equipment expansion.

It has taken five years from concept to starting the process of tangible implementation, largely funded through support from the IADB. Throughout it all, Therese Turner-Jones, as country head, has provided extremely valuable leadership and support to me, the MOHW, and the Jamaican Government.

As she demits office, I would like to use this opportunity to personally express my sincere appreciation on behalf of the public-health team, the Jamaican Government, and the people of Jamaica for her dedication and leadership.

I wish her the best of all things as she moves on.

CHRISTOPHER TUFTON

Minister of Health

and Wellness