President of the Jamaica Association for Public Health Inspectors (JAPHI), Karen Brown, says that all reports made about non-compliant food establishments are taken seriously. “When a report is made on a food handling establishment, it is considered almost like an emergency, where it is investigated within 24 hours, that is what is required,” Ms. Brown informed. She said upon inspection,...

Director of Family Health Services in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Melody Ennis is emphasizing the importance of learning from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Speaking at the recent virtual staging of the Jamaica Association of Public Health Inspectors (JAPHI) 75th Annual Educational Conference, Dr. Ennis said more advocates are needed to ensure that if another pandemic arises, it...

Health Promotion and Education Officer at the Westmoreland Health Department, Gerald Miller, says that the COVID-19 intervention programme which targeted taxi operators in the parish, is still making an impact a year later after its implementation. Speaking with JIS News, Mr. Miller said that research undertaken by the Ministry of Health and Wellness showed that persons who are in conveyance,...

Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr. Leighton Maddan (left), examines the ophthalmoscope, donated by Eye Q Optical to the Bustamante Hospital for Children. Looking on is Chief Executive Officer, Eye Q Optical, Aron Wohl. The equipment was handed over during a ceremony held on October 29, on the compound of the hospital in St. Andrew.

Jamaica’s travel authorisation application process through the JamCOVID and Visit Jamaica online platforms has been significantly overhauled and simplified. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said that the number of questions has been reduced and the speed of approval has increased. “Jamaican passport holders and tourists can now obtain expedited approvals within minutes of submitting their application, provided that...

The Westmoreland Health Department has recruited and trained 73 COVID-19 vaccine ‘ambassadors’ to help encourage greater take-up of the jab in the parish. The ambassadors, which consist of teachers, hotel managers and other professionals, were trained between October 19 and October 21. Speaking with JIS News, Parish Health Promotion and Education Officer, Gerald Miller, said the ambassadors, drawn from the...

On Sunday, October 31, the Lupus Foundation of Jamaica (LFJ), will stage a virtual symposium for persons who are beset by the disease, especially children, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The event will be held under the theme ‘Children and Youth with Lupus: Improving Outcomes Through Knowledge and Support’, and will feature local and international speakers placing the spotlight on improving...