No Tribunal ruling: JMDA announces 24-hour disruption

October 2, 2026

Jamaicans seeking non-emergency healthcare services today, could face significant delays as medical doctors have decided on a 24-hour restriction of normal services.

In a statement, The Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA) says only emergency services will be provided from 8 AM until 8 PM tomorrow.

This, as the JMDA escalates its pressure on the Industrial Disputes Tribunal to hand down its long-awaited ruling on doctors’ overtime rates.

The JMDA is urging the public to prepare for longer waiting times, scaled-back services and delays in the completion of procedures.

The Association says it has activated protocols aimed at minimizing adverse outcomes during the period.

The JMDA notes that doctors have been working at the same overtime rates since 2021.

This, it says, is unacceptable.

The JMDA is doubling down on its call for the Tribunal to hand down its award without further delay.