8,000 Jamaicans to Get Help under Second Chance Smile Programme This Year

The Ministry of Health and Wellness aims to assist 8,000 Jamaicans under the Second Chance Smile Programme this year.

Making his contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 7, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said 2,000 Jamaicans have been provided with new dentures under the oral health and dentures replacement programme over the past year.

The programme, which aims to promote good oral health, was announced last year by Dr. Tufton in his Sectoral presentation.

He said the programme has been overwhelmingly received, giving confidence to those who lose a tooth or teeth. Dr. Tufton said the replacement dentures have given the recipients confidence and a healthier approach to life and living.

“We feel this programme is not only important for those who have benefited… . We feel it is important for the promotion of good oral health, which is what we have twinned to the programme,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Tufton pointed out that 58 Jamaicans benefited from lower-limb prosthesis at a cost of $24 million under the New Limb, New Life programme.

He said the programme will be expanded this year to target another 60 persons, at a cost of $50 million.

The Minister said 300 to 400 Jamaicans lose a lower limb each year, noting that 95 per cent of those persons are due to complications from diabetes.

He said that diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the country.

He commended the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre for the work of the health team in providing guidance on the programme.

The Minister said the programme is being expanded, as well, for greater communication around diabetes, the causes, and how to control and prevent this debilitating illness.

Applicants for the programme must be between the ages of 13 and 60, who have lost a limb and are registered with the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD).

Persons must be assessed by the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre or a qualified orthopaedic surgeon to determine their suitability.

The New Limb, New Life supports the ‘#KnowYourNumbers’ initiative, which aims to get Jamaicans to do regular screenings to ascertain their health status and modify their behaviour to reduce illness and premature death.