Health Human resources Information Datasets in the Americas: Jamaican Database of Human Resources in Health. Final Report 2009

Abstract

[Introduction]. The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is pleased to have collaborated with the Ministry of Health and Environment of Jamaica, and the University of West Indies (UWI, Mona Campus), specifically the Tropical Medicine Research Institute, to support efforts to make policy decisions based on facts, and to better plan for the future with knowledge of the human resources data of today. Jamaica’s commitment to the health and welfare of its population is evident in the focus and attention dedicated to building and improving its system of health care. As part of this commitment, the Ministry of Health has partnered with the University of West Indies (UWI, Mona Campus) and PAHO/WHO to establish a clear picture of exactly where the country stands with respect to its Human Resources in Health – the number of health professionals available in Jamaica, the skill mix they posses, the adequacy of support systems that can contribute to the delivery of quality health care, and the regulations and standards that are in place. This study details the human resources in health for Jamaica and is the first step toward building a continued Observatory of Human Resources in Health, and will facilitate needs-based planning and development. Systems and structures must however be created which will allow for ongoing and timely updating of the human resources data that will facilitate evidence based decisions making. We applaud this successful effort to contribute to the strengthening of the health system in Jamaica.