Consultant Cardiologist at the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, Dr. Handel Emery, is expressing concern at the increasing prevalence of hypertension in Jamaica. He was speaking at a recent JIS ‘Think Tank’ focusing on Heart Month, being observed in February under the theme ‘High Blood Pressure, the Untold Damage to Kidneys’. Citing the results of the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey...

The Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) is spearheading a Health Centre Expansion Programme, which should result in the rehabilitation of four health centres in St. James. Funded by the European Union (EU) at a cost of $154 million, the project is being done through JSIF’s Poverty Reduction Programme (PRP). The Granville, Adelphi, Barrett Town, and Flanker Health Centres will be...

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, is again calling on persons to get vaccinated against influenza (flu). Speaking at a media briefing at the Ministry’s offices in New Kingston on February 5, the Minister said persons should practise good hygiene, including washing hands with soap and water, and covering the mouth and nose while coughing or...

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says a Ministry-led national public education campaign is under way to heighten citizens’ awareness about the novel coronavirus. Addressing journalists at a media briefing at the Ministry’s offices in New Kingston on February 5, Dr. Tufton said newspaper advertisements have commenced, and there are social media postings on his personal...

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, is urging Jamaicans to remain vigilant in the fight against dengue. He made the appeal during a press briefing at the Ministry’s New Kingston offices on February 5, where he gave an update on the National Vector Control Programme. Dr. Tufton said that the Ministry continues to strengthen the programme,...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is training border protection and control personnel to deal with the novel coronavirus. Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said 329 frontline employees at the Norman Manley and Sangster International airports, including immigration, customs, port health, airport police, Jamaica Fire Brigade, aviation services, airline, and management staff, have been engaged. He noted that...

The Government will be putting a National Coordinating Mechanism in place to monitor and contain the novel coronavirus, in the event of an outbreak. Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said the Cabinet-sanctioned measure will see a team, to be headed by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), being established to lead Jamaica’s...