Health Ministry Responds to AG’s Report on UHWI

KINGSTON, Jamaica. Tuesday, January 13, 2026: The Ministry of Health and Wellness takes note of the Auditor General’s Report on Ensuring Value for Money in Public Health Procurement, University of the Hospital of the West indies (UHWI) tabled in Parliament on Tuesday (January 13).

The Ministry of Health and Wellness acknowledges the importance of sound corporate governance accountability systems to ensure transparency and efficiency in the public health sector.  The Ministry further acknowledges the fundamental principles of transparency, value for money, competition and integrity which underpin the GOJ Public Procurement System. 

The UHWI is a key institution in the public health sector, being one of the three Type A hospitals and which is a final referral hospital offering highly specialized services, not only to Jamaicans but Caribbean nationals. Importantly, the UHWI is the main training institution for medical doctors and other health professionals.

The Minster of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, CD, MP, has taken immediate steps to address the governance and accountability gaps highlighted by the Audit Report through the appointment of an Institutional Review Committee.

The members of the committee are:

• Howard Mitchell – Past President of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) – Chairman
• Joseph Taffe – Retired Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GraceKennedy Financial Group
• Tomlin Paul – Deputy Principal, UWI Mona
• Angella Robertson – Attorney at Law
• Professor Alvin Wint – Emeritus Professor of International Business, UWI Mona
• Kadian Birch – Chief Programme Officer, Ministry of Health and Wellness

The six-member Committee has been tasked with:

1. Reviewing and identifying gaps and/or weaknesses in:
2. • UHWI’s Corporate Governance and Management structures
   • Financial, Public Procurement and Administrative Management systems
   • Corporate Risk Management Systems
3. Providing recommendations on possible changes or adjustments that might be necessary to mitigate, manage or eliminate the risks associated with the findings of the audit and strengthen governance and accountability.
4. Providing recommendations on mechanisms to implement the Auditor General’s recommendations

The Committee is to present a report to the Minister within four months with its recommendation for the institutional strengthening of the UHWI.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness remains committed to the principles of good corporate governance, public procurement and the efficient and prudent stewardship of public resources.