JMDA warns of further disruption to services at public health facilities if IDT continues to delay handing down of ruling on overtime rates

October 3, 2026

The Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA) has warned that there could be further disruption to services at public health facilities if the Industrial Disputes Tribunal continues to delay the handing down of its ruling on overtime rates.

Normal operations resumed at public health facilities at 8 o’clock this morning when doctors, who are rostered for this weekend, returned to their duties following a 24-hour strike.

The JMDA explained that the protest was to highlight growing frustration among members over the long-awaited ruling from the Tribunal.

The doctors have been waiting on the Tribunal’s ruling since April 1.

Up to Thursday evening, which was the deadline stipulated by the JMDA, the Tribunal had not issued a ruling.

The doctors are still waiting.

Speaking with IRIE FM News, JMDA President Dr. Jubilee Brown Service acknowledged that the members’ actions yesterday affected many Jamaicans.

However, she said the doctors crave citizens’ understanding as they fight for what is rightfully theirs.

She said the JMDA will continue to advocate for fairness and justice and will not accept continued exploitation of members’ labour.

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