Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson, has underscored the importance of safeguarding the nation's health to enhance productivity.

Speaking at a contract-signing ceremony for the development of the Santa Cruz Health Centre in St Elizabeth, recently at the Percy Junor Hospital in Spaldings, Manchester, Dr Ferguson said the connection between a healthy nation and how it impacts the productive process, is often not apparent among many persons.

Diseases

"We are losing billions of dollars, annually, because of poor health. The (prevalence of) non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is costing the country US$170 million annually," the minister said, adding that approximately 56 per cent of deaths in Jamaica are attributed to NCDs.

Meanwhile, Dr Fenton Ferguson has assured that the ministry is committed to developing the best cancer care services that can be provided at public health institutions.

Development of the Santa Cruz Health Centre into a Centre of Excellence is being undertaken in two segments. The initial phase, to be undertaken by engineering firms Bajad Limited and CP Specialists Limited at a cost of $25 million, will entail, among other things, the provision of furnishings and equipment as well as reconstruction of the roof. This segment is slated for completion by April.

The second phase, which is also slated to commence shortly, is expected to focus on improving diagnostics services; the child and maternal section; and dental service provisions. It is expected to be completed within the 2013-14 fiscal year.

The National Health Fund is financing the initiative, which forms part of the administration's primary health-care renewal programme.