Sustainability of specialized healthcare in economies like Jamaica: Overcoming historical constraints

Small island economies designated as upper-middle-income economies find themselves in the somewhat awkward position of not being viewed as in desperate need of financial support for their healthcare and thus receive severely limited external aid for healthcare. Consequently, countries like Jamaica have had to be self-reliant in funding their health-care systems. This challenge has prompted an early and sustained focus on primary healthcare, recognizing that prevention is better than cure. However, with the success of this strategy and the change in the disease profile from infectious concerns to chronic non-communicable diseases associated with aging, the cost of healthcare has markedly increased. Rapid technological advances in the diagnosis and treatment of specialized conditions have further escalated health-care costs. Funding these increasing health-care costs sustainably is a significant challenge for Jamaica and similarly developed smaller economies, especially given the numerous other demands for scarce funds. One potential solution to this chronic problem is to develop sustainable funding sources within the country, such as through local entrepreneurs and philanthropy. Partnerships for health can be forged, where philanthropic investments play a critical role. This article is the first in a series of two. It explores a relationship between the historical context and the current status of healthcare in Jamaica, which is evaluated in further detail, identifying the existing deficiencies that stem from chronic underinvestment. The second article will discuss the principles of giving, with a focus on philanthropy. Future endeavors will include a formal qualitative study of Jamaica’s wealthiest entrepreneurs to assess their interest in philanthropy and their potential to invest philanthropically in specialized healthcare in Jamaica.