The Ministry of Health & Wellness is responsible for ensuring that public health services are adequate, safe and that they are delivered effectively and efficiently in accordance with prescribed standards and regulations. To this end, Volunteer Medical Missions have the potential to contribute to attaining the determined sustainable goals and building the capacity of the Public Health System in Jamaica; and as such, are welcomed for consideration.
Volunteer Medical Missions are classified according to their durational level of commitment.
These varying levels of commitment are described as follows:
These missions are usually unsolicited and organized by small to medium-sized international nonprofit organizations.
Driven by a commitment to providing selected health services on a regular or recurring basis, these missions are typically conducted directly within communities across the island.
They represent much of the Volunteer Medical Missions experience in Jamaica
Mission team sets up discovery call with the NHEF to ascertain local healthcare needs.
This individual will be responsible for submitting all relevant documents on behalf of all members of the mission team.
These missions are generally solicited by the Ministry of Health and Wellness and are typically organized by large international nonprofit groups or institutional health facilities.
The purpose of this mission is to provide targeted health services to address specific health needs. An example of this is Project Code Care, implemented in 2023 to help clear the post-COVID backlog of surgeries.
Project Code Care was the first structured program of this kind.
This individual will be responsible for submitting all relevant documents on behalf of all members of the mission team.
Please note: All medical missions require a post-mission report for completion.
These missions are usually unsolicited and organized by small to medium-sized international nonprofit organizations.
Driven by a commitment to providing selected health services on a regular or recurring basis, these missions are typically conducted directly within communities across the island.
They represent much of the Volunteer Medical Missions experience in Jamaica
These missions are generally solicited by the Ministry of Health and Wellness and are typically organized by large international nonprofit groups or institutional health facilities.
The purpose of this mission is to provide targeted health services to address specific health needs. An example of this is Project Code Care, implemented in 2023 to help clear the post-COVID backlog of surgeries.
Project Code Care was the first structured program of this kind.
Steps for Submitting Applications for Volunteer Medical Missions:
This individual will be responsible for submitting all relevant documents on behalf of all members of the mission team.
Personnel interested in carrying out a volunteer overseas medical mission in Jamaica, should identify a Mission Team Lead. This individual will be responsible for submitting all relevant documents on behalf of all members of the mission team.
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At this point, a discussion is had with the various medical regional health authorities to confirm whether there is a need for the particular medical area being proposed by the Missions Team.
If the regions indicate that there is a need for the area being addressed by the proposed mission, then the mission request will be approved. If no need is indicated, then the request will be denied.
Once approved NHEF will respond to the mission request with an Acceptance Letter. All Parties will then be required to fill out the relevant forms.
* Please note that at this point it is the role of the Team Lead to submit the relevant documents outlined on the application, on behalf of all members of the volunteer mission team.
Completed forms and documents are to be submitted to NHEF’s application portal. then submitted to the Medical Council/Nursing Council for approval.
Once Approval is received the NHEF will communicate the update to the Team Lead.
At this stage, the team lead is to indicate whether the team will be taking equipment, supplies or pharmaceuticals into the country to carry out the mission. If yes, the team lead should indicate this using the invoice template provided on the website. The team lead should also indicate if these items are coming in person (traveling with the team through the airport), or through Customs (Land or Air). Based on the method of transport indicated by the team, the NHEF may be required to apply for the necessary permit (based on the mode of transport indicated).
At the conclusion of the mission a report of the activities of the mission is to be submitted within seven (7) days after the departure of the team. Please note that failure to comply will result in automatic non-approval for future mission.
Please note: All medical missions require a post-mission report for completion.