The National Health Fund (NHF) has introduced a new mammogram subsidy valued at $3,000 per year to improve access to early detection services for breast cancer. The subsidy is available to women between 40 and 74 years of age, through the NHFCard, and can be accessed at several participating service providers across the island. Speaking at the launch held on...

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Medical Services Branch has received a major boost to its digital infrastructure, following the recent donation of 10 laptops and two desktop computers by the Universal Service Fund (USF). The new equipment is expected to significantly enhance the Branch’s ability to manage patient records electronically, improve internal communication, and support data-driven decision-making across departments. Ultimately,...

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is encouraging farmers across the island to harvest mature crops ahead of tropical storm Melissa, to minimise loss. In an interview with JIS News, Senior Plant Health and Food Safety Officer with RADA, Francine Webb, said at this time, fields will be in various stages of production. “If you have crops that are near...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has assured that the Government is fully prepared to address any challenges that arise due to the impending passage of Tropical Storm Melissa. “I want to reassure the country of Jamaica's readiness to face up to this challenge that is imminent. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM),...

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, is urging Jamaicans to prepare as the country braces for the impact of Tropical Storm Melissa. “This is certainly not a time for panic, but it is a time for preparation,” he said, during a special press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) this morning (October 22)....

Cultivation of the Wambugu apple variety in Jamaca could cut the import bill for the fruit, which amounts to hundreds of million each year, says Chief Executive Officer of the Agro-Investment Corporation (AIC), Vivion Scully. “Jamaica imported over 1.4 million kilograms of apples last year, costing us more than $260 million and you can do the conversion in US dollars....

The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) is reporting an increase in the number of urban districts across the island. According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, 61 per cent of the population is living in urban areas and 39 per cent in rural areas. Of the 6,611 enumeration districts, 4,021 were considered urban, while 2,590 were categorised as rural....