Jamaica offers its youngest free health care

KINGSTON, May 28 (Reuters) Jamaica began offering its youngest citizens free health care today under a plan unveiled three weeks ago by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.

Under the program, Jamaicans aged 18 and under are to be treated free of charge at all the Caribbean island's public hospitals and clinics.

Opposition leaders have derided the plan as a vote-catching move by Simpson Miller, who took office after a special election in February last year as Jamaica's first female leader.

The election was to replace veteran former Prime Minister PJ Patterson as head of the ruling People's National Party.

General elections are constitutionally due in the nation of 2.7 million people by October, when the People's National Party is expected to face a strong challenge from the opposition Jamaica Labour Party.

The government has said it will cost between 5.2 million 7.4 million dollars annually to finance the free health-care program.

REUTERS CS SBA BST0400