Jamaica Health Spending
Current health expenditure as % of GDP SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS
Jamaica's health spending was 8.72% in 2025, ranked 54th globally. This represents a 14.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
Jamaica's health spending stood at 8.72% in 2025, a rise of +1.12% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 8.72% by 2025. Jamaica ranked 54th globally.
Jamaica’s health expenditure as a share of GDP has risen steadily over the past 25 years, climbing from 5.98 % in 2000 to an all‑time peak of 8.72 % in 2025, which also represents its latest figure and places the country 54th globally. The lowest point occurred in 2003 when spending fell to 4.99 %, after which a persistent upward trajectory emerged, reflecting expanded public financing and reforms in the health sector. Jamaica’s 2025 level is closely aligned with peers such as the Maldives (8.73 %) and Panama (8.66 %), underscoring a regional convergence toward higher health investment. The sustained increase suggests that continued fiscal prioritisation of health could further elevate coverage and outcomes, while any fiscal tightening or external shocks could temper the upward momentum. Future trajectories will hinge on the balance between fiscal capacity and policy commitment to health spending.
Data & projection
| Year | Health Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 8.97% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 8.72% | - | - |
| 2025 | 8.72% | +1.12% | #54 |
| 2023 | 7.60% | −1.05% | #123 |
| 2022 | 8.65% | +0.65% | #141 |
| 2021 | 8.00% | +0.53% | #122 |
| 2020 | 7.48% | +0.51% | #114 |
| 2019 | 6.97% | +0.13% | #118 |
| 2018 | 6.84% | −0.15% | #120 |
| 2017 | 6.98% | +0.39% | #122 |
| 2016 | 6.59% | −0.02% | #106 |
| 2015 | 6.61% | +0.33% | #112 |
| 2014 | 6.29% | +0.00% | #105 |
| 2013 | 6.28% | +0.10% | #106 |
| 2012 | 6.19% | −0.34% | #106 |
| 2011 | 6.52% | +0.08% | #113 |
| 2010 | 6.44% | +0.07% | #112 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Jamaica matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw health spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Jamaica's health spending was 8.72% in 2025. Ranked 54th globally. This represents a 14.7% increase from the previous year.
Jamaica's health spending peaked at 8.72% in 2025.
The lowest health spending in Jamaica was 4.99% in 2003.
Jamaica ranks 54th globally in health spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Jamaica's health spending is projected to reach 8.72% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The health spending of Jamaica in 2025 was 8.72%. This ranks 54th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_jamaica_health-spending,
title = {Jamaica Health Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/jamaica/health-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}