Montego Bay’s primary health centre — built in 1993 and now one of Western Jamaica’s most overburdened public facilities — is preparing for a long-awaited transformation. A multi-phase expansion project is now officially underway, backed by the recent acquisition of adjacent lands, signaling a definitive step toward a modernized, high-capacity healthcare campus.
Land Secured, Vision Activated
The Health Ministry has secured a purchase agreement for neighboring property, unlocking the square footage necessary to kickstart the project. Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton confirmed that legal documentation is in progress, laying the groundwork for what will become a five-storey administrative complex, an expanded parking facility, and a restructured clinic layout — turning current admin blocks into patient-serving zones.
Construction Timeline: 2025 Prep, 2026 Build
The projected timeline spans multiple years. According to Tufton, 2025 will be used to complete all technical preparations — from engineering assessments to procurement of architectural services. “This year is practically behind us. The focus now shifts to getting shovel-ready by next year,” he stated. Groundbreaking is expected by late 2026 or early 2027, barring delays.
Not Just an Upgrade — A Full Reconfiguration
This is not a simple renovation. The expansion aims to relieve longstanding spatial bottlenecks and recalibrate the flow of both staff and patients. With patient traffic in the hundreds each day, the current setup is straining to keep up. The new design will physically separate administrative operations from clinical care — allowing each to function more efficiently and with greater privacy.
Historic Ice Factory Property Also in Play
A second parcel — formerly the Montego Bay Ice Factory — is also part of the redevelopment vision. Local officials confirmed that acquisition talks are nearly complete, suggesting that the health centre’s footprint will grow considerably, offering room for future healthcare infrastructure beyond what is currently planned.
Strategic Healthcare Infrastructure in Motion
For the Ministry of Health, this project reflects a wider pivot toward long-term, structural investments in healthcare infrastructure. Rather than patching the system, the focus is shifting to full-scale modernization — starting with high-volume facilities like this one.
Montego Bay’s Type Five Centre has long been a cornerstone of health service delivery in the west. If this expansion proceeds on schedule, it may soon become a national model for how to responsibly and strategically scale public health systems in high-growth urban corridors.
