The University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) has extended its surgery hours from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., to reduce the waiting time at the health facility. This forms part of the Ministry of Health’s overall plan to improve efficiency of healthcare delivery and reduce the waiting time for patients. The surgical interventions that are proposed for this extended...

The Government has made it easier for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) operators to access $2.4 billion in loan funds, by using non-traditional collateral. Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Audley Shaw, says a policy decision by the administration has allowed the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ), to reduce risks associated with loans issued by deposit-taking institutions that are...

Residents of Clarendon are hailing the Ministry of Health’s implementation of the Public Sector Pharmacy Partner Programme in the parish. The initiative, which is being piloted over the next three months, aims to reduce the waiting time for medication at public hospitals and clinics. It is being spearheaded by the National Health Fund (NHF) and involves collaboration with select private-sector...

The Ministry of Health has embarked on a pilot project to speed up the time persons can get their prescriptions filled. The Public Sector Pharmacy Partner Programme, which will be rolled out over the next three months, will see the Ministry, through the National Health Fund (NHF), partnering with a number of private pharmacies to facilitate speedier dispensing of medication...

Executive Director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), Christine Hendricks, is calling for an end to all forms of discrimination against persons with disabilities (PWD), noting that this is the greatest barrier to their development and full participation in society. “The attitude of people, who say you do not belong, poses the greatest hindrance to the development...

New Mayor of Kingston, Senator Councillor Delroy Williams, has pledged to work to build a spirit of partnership and cooperation among councillors in order to effectively and efficiency carry out the work of the  Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAC). Speaking at the installation ceremony held at the KSAC’s downtown Kingston offices on December 15, Senator Williams lauded the...

The Outgoing United Nations (UN) Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean, Dr. Edward Greene, has commended Jamaica for implementing programmes aimed at empowering women. He cited, among them, the ‘He-for-She’ campaign, which engages boys and men in enhancing the health and well-being of women and girls. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness and sports icon Usain Bolt...