Residents of Portland now have access to electrocardiogram (ECG) services across all three health districts as the parish’s Health Department continues to expand and enhance service delivery for its clients. Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Sharon Lewis, informed the recent sitting of the Portland Municipal Corporation that ECG machines are now available at the Port Antonio Health Centre, the Fair...

Vector-control efforts across Westmoreland remain in high gear, with more than 34,000 premises inspected in February as health authorities continue to combat mosquito-borne diseases and reduce breeding sites. Chief Public Health Inspector for Westmoreland, Steve Morris, informed that 34,088 premises across 215 communities were visited during the period, resulting in the identification of 2,810 mosquito-positive sites and an Aedes index...

Medical Assistant at the Heart Foundation of Jamaica (HFJ), Delrose Francis (left), performs a finger-prick blood test on a member of the public during the St. Catherine High School's annual health fair, held at the institution in Spanish Town on March 20. Looking on is fellow medical assistant, Natalia Gordon. The HFJ partnered with the National Health Fund (NHF) to...

State Minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Hon. Krystal Lee, is urging new mothers and pregnant women to utilise the help available to take care of their mental health and well-being. Speaking at the recertification of the Port Maria Hospital in St. Mary as a baby-friendly facility on March 13, Ms. Lee said help is always available for...

With March 24 observed as World Tuberculosis Day annually, the Portland Health Department says it has been embarking on a month-long intervention to raise awareness about the disease. Speaking at a recent meeting of the Portland Municipal Corporation, Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Sharon Lewis, said that the disease has significant health, social, and financial impacts. “We'll be conducting tuberculosis...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness’ ‘Operation Refresh’ has brought significant improvements to the Fellowship Health Centre and the Katus Blakey Dental Clinic in Portland, creating a more user-friendly environment at both facilities. Medical Officer of Health for Portland, Dr. Sharon Lewis, gave the update during a recent meeting of the Portland Municipal Corporation, noting that staff and clients at...

There continues to be a high demand for maternity services at the Savanna-La-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland with deliveries averaging approximately 2500 per year, says Senior Medical Officer at the facility, Dr. Suman Vemu. He noted that the number has fluctuated between 2000 and 2400 for the past four years but “not a major decline.” He said that the...