Kingston.
A strike by doctors this morning over an impending reclassification excercise has led to large crowds at public hospitals and clinics across the island.
More than 60 percent of the 2,500 government paid medical doctors who are attached to the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association and the Medical Association of Jamaica called in sick.
The Ministry of Health in confirming the reports of a strike said several health facilities have informed patients that only emergency cases will be accepted.
Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson, speaking in the House of Representatives this afternoon said the strike by the doctors were triggered by an impending reclassification excercise to be undertaken during the 2013-2014 financial year.
Ferguson gave an update on the matter in the House of Representatives after the Opposition spokesman on health Rudyard Spencer enquired about the impact of the protest on health services.
The Minister said a standing protocol has been initiated and all mechanisms have been put in place.
He said only emergency services are being offered at public hospitals and the usual consultants are on hand.
According to Ferguson, the ministry and the regional health authorities are monitoring the situation to ensure that minimum standards are maintained.
