Public health doctors warn normal operations cannot be guaranteed if IDT matter remains unresolved

September 24, 2026

Public health sector doctors are warning that normal operations cannot be guaranteed in the coming days if an outstanding issue with the Industrial Disputes Tribunal is not resolved immediately.

The Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association said doctors are restive, as they are yet to get a ruling from the IDT about payment rates.

JMDA President Dr. Jubilee Brown Service said the membership met yesterday and passed a resolution authorizing the executive to escalate measures.

This resolution is in response to the unreasonable delay in the handing down of the IDT’s ruling.

These measures may include, but are not limited to, significant disruption of services.

Dr. Brown Service noted that it is exploitative for doctors to be working at the 2021 rate of pay for overtime hours.

She said doctors are tired of the injustice of being forced to work at the 2021 rates.

She said the financial demands of 2026 are not those of 2021.

Dr. Brown Service said this dispute has been ongoing for 3 and a half years and has been before the IDT for one and a half years.

The JMDA President said the issue must be resolved expeditiously.