Health Minister Rudyard Spencer said the Government welcomes any partnership with the private sector to improve health care for the Jamaican people. He said his ministry would be looking towards forging more of these partnerships in health. Spencer was speaking at the official opening of the new medical complex at Hargreaves Memorial Hospital in Mandeville, Manchester, on Thursday.

"I believe that the time has come to establish all of those areas in the health sector that could benefit from this kind of partnership and to create the policy framework that will set the parameters for the partnership," he said.

Mr Spencer pointed out that any expansion to the private health sector offerings presented an opportunity to strengthen public/private partnerships. He noted that the establishment of the medical complex at the hospital made a compelling statement about the relevance and viability of private providers even in an environment of no user fees. "We are committed to having a vibrant private health sector in Jamaica."

leadership and vision

Guest speaker at the opening, Prime Minister Bruce Golding in congratulating owners, Calvin and Sylvia Lyn for their leadership and vision, noted how important it is for those who can, to support the venture. "This represents a huge private investment and it is good that those who can afford it, have a choice," Golding said. He said that the Government was looking at ways that private and public hospitals could collaborate to the extent that under-utilised facilities in private institutions could be used to assist when necessary in public institutions.

The prime minister pointed to challenges facing government decision to make health care free to those who could not afford it, while urging those who can, to pay. "Studies show that the vast majority of our people cannot afford to pay and when they do, it's at a great sacrifice. But we must sustain it."

He cited ways to ease the burden on the public hospital system such as: finding ways to stop cases from being in hospitals that ought not to be there. Avoid lifestyle habits such as smoking and excessive drinking that lead to chronic illnesses and taking care and responsibility for the way we live.

The new medical complex will offer a variety of medical services and will also house doctors' offices. This will allow patients to be able to have their personal doctor care for them in the hospital setting.

The lovely Diandra Chuck, granddaughter of Calvin and Sylvia Lyn, is on holiday from school and out to celebrate with her family.

Mandieville's queen of style Doreen Lawson, is as fabulous as ever.

Juliet Lyn-Chuck (left) and her mother, Sylvia Lyn, cut the ribbon to officially open the new wing at Hargreaves Memorial Hospital in Mandeville, Manchester, on Thursday, August 27.

Look whom we have spotted: Finance Minister Audley Shaw and one very close to him, Maureen Shaw, in stitches at the Lyn's official reopening of Hargreaves Memorial Hospital.

Calvin and Sylvia Lyn enjoy the historic moment of unveiling the plaque that declares it all official. The Hargreaves Memorial Hospital, in Mandeville, is now open for business.