KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — Public hospitals and clinics in this Caribbean nation are preparing to guarantee free health care for every child, a government statement said Saturday.

Under the new policy, services in the public health system ranging from surgeries to drug prescriptions will be free of charge to all Jamaicans 18 and younger. The policy was recently announced by Prime Minister Portia Simpson and took effect yesterday.

"The government has endeavoured to be responsive to the needs of our people, even in the quest for economic growth and fiscal responsibility," said Simpson Miller, who announced the reform policy ahead of this year's general elections.

Health Minister Horace Dalley advised parents and guardians to take their child's school identification, passport or birth certificate to health facilities to prove their age.

"In the final analysis, a bill will be generated but the bill will be stamped 'exempt'," Dalley said. "The hospital will still have to track the cost of the health care provided."

Children and adolescents make up nearly a third of Jamaica's population, according to government statistics.

Adults receiving care in public hospitals, which are used primarily by impoverished Jamaicans, must continue to make co-payments for treatment such as emergency services and medication.