Newly Renovated Alexandria Community Hospital Officially Opens in St Ann
Jamaica Live News Desk| July 27, 2025
Alexandria, St Ann | Jamaica Live News
A Milestone in Jamaica’s Smart Health Initiative
The residents of Alexandria and surrounding communities in St Ann now have access to a modern, upgraded medical facility following the official reopening of the Alexandria Community Hospital. The extensive renovation, part of the Ministry of Health and Wellness’s Smart Health Initiative, represents a $400 million investment in Jamaica’s public healthcare infrastructure.
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, declaring the upgraded hospital as a model of the government’s commitment to strengthening primary and secondary healthcare across the island.
“This is more than just a facelift. This is about ensuring access to high-quality healthcare in every corner of Jamaica. The people of Alexandria and all of St Ann deserve no less,” Minister Tufton said.
A New Era for Rural Healthcare
The newly renovated Alexandria Community Hospital now boasts:
- Upgraded Emergency Department for rapid response and critical care
- Modernised Maternity Ward equipped to better serve mothers and newborns
- Reliable Emergency Power Backup System to ensure uninterrupted services
- Improved Records Management System to support digitised, efficient patient care
- Infrastructure upgrades to meet Smart Hospital standards for energy efficiency, climate resilience, and disaster readiness
This upgrade is a vital part of the government’s Smart Health Care Facilities Project, developed in partnership with international organisations such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The initiative aims to retrofit existing facilities islandwide to become more resilient, energy-efficient, and better equipped to handle future health emergencies and natural disasters.
Boost for St Ann’s Health Network
The improved hospital will now be able to serve a broader population within Northwest St Ann, improving access and reducing pressure on the larger St Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital.
According to health officials, the hospital’s catchment area includes thousands of residents in Alexandria and surrounding districts such as Watt Town, Lime Hall, Treadways, and Brown’s Town. Many of these residents previously had to travel long distances for adequate emergency or maternity care.
“This facility will now operate not just as a small community hospital but as a critical hub in the healthcare network of rural Jamaica,” said Regional Director of the North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA), Fabian Ferron.
Community Impact and Future Plans
Community members expressed optimism and gratitude during the official opening, noting the long-overdue attention the hospital has now received.
“Mi proud. Mi pickney born here, and now mi grandpickney can come and get better care too. It’s been a long time coming,” said Marjorie White, a 65-year-old resident of Alexandria.
Minister Tufton announced that additional investments are coming to other healthcare facilities in the parish and across Jamaica as part of the Ten-Year Strategic Plan for Health Sector Transformation. The plan includes:
- More community hospital upgrades
- Expansion of health centers and diagnostic services
- Introduction of telemedicine services in rural areas
- Continued training and recruitment of healthcare professionals
Jamaica’s Health Revolution Takes Shape
The opening of the Alexandria Community Hospital is the latest milestone in the Ministry’s push toward modernising the island’s healthcare system, particularly in underserved and rural regions.
With over $4 billion already invested across various smart hospital projects, Jamaica is positioning itself as a Caribbean leader in building a resilient, equitable, and technologically advanced public health system.
Jamaica Live will continue to monitor the progress of the Smart Health Initiative and bring you updates on upcoming healthcare infrastructure developments across the island.