The Caribbean Poison Information Network (CARPIN) at the University of Technology (UTech) Jamaica is observing Poison Prevention Week from May 26-31, under the theme: ‘Poison Connection - Linking Each Facet of Society’. Poison Information Coordinator at CARPIN, Sherika Whitelocke-Ballingsingh, told JIS News that the observance is an avenue through which the organisation reminds Jamaicans of the importance of protecting health...

Approximately 627 free cataract surgeries were performed on patients at the Mandeville Regional Hospital in Manchester, from May 25 to 27, through the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA). The operations were carried out by a team of eye specialists from India under the Cataract Camp Mission 2024, which was made possible by the Florida-based Mind, Body and Soul Health Ministry...

The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) carried out a blood drive at Godfrey Stewart High School in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, on May 22 as the entity continues efforts to boost blood collection to serve the needs of the health sector. Blood Donor Organiser at NBTS, Odean Black, emphasised the importance of the outreach where more than 25 persons, including students, staff...

The Westmoreland Public Health Department  is imploring residents to stay cool and  hydrated during the current hot weather.  Speaking with JIS News, Parish Health Promotions Manager, Gerald Miller, said it is important for persons to drink water to replace fluid lost during perspiration.  He noted that sugary and alcoholic beverages should be avoided as much as possible as they can...

The provision of diagnostic services at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) has been strengthened with the installation of three digital X-ray machines. The new units were provided under a project, valued at approximately $500 million, for the supply, installation and maintenance of X-ray equipment at four hospitals in the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA). The others are Bustamante Hospital...

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a strong and reliable indicator that one’s health is at risk and needs to be urgently addressed, says Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton. In his message marking World Hypertension Day, which was observed globally on Friday, May 17, Dr. Tufton underscored the importance of persons taking high blood pressure seriously....

The May Pen Hospital in Clarendon is reporting success in the use of the Electronic Health Records (EHR) system, which was launched at the facility in January 2024, describing it as a “game-changer”. Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank on May 14, Consultant Anaesthesiologist at the hospital, Dr. Cecily Thompson, noted that the system has significantly improved...

The Children’s Affairs and Policy Division (CAPD) of the Ministry of Education and Youth (MOEY), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), is to host a significant event in commemoration of Child Month. Titled, ‘Wellness Bench Lyme – Child Conversation’, this event aims to empower and support students aged 11 to 18 years, under the theme ‘Stand...

Several facilities, including the pharmacy building and other areas, have been improved at the Spanish Town Hospital in St. Catherine, from a $32-million infrastructure project. The work included renovation of the outpatient waiting area, repurposing of the hospital storage facility, relocation of the laboratory, as well as construction of the covered waiting area, which has the capacity to accommodate 300...