The Government is projecting to spend between $27.2 billion and $31.2 billion over the next five years on public health infrastructure development. This was disclosed by Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, during his contribution to the 2019/20 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 7. “This will represent the largest investment in over...

The Petersfield Primary School ‘Jamaica Moves’ club is making strides in promoting healthy lifestyle habits among staff and students. Coordinator of the club, Crystal-Gaye Scott, told JIS News that the Westmoreland-based institution has stopped the sale of sugary drinks on the compound. “Our school is sugar-free; we no longer sell juices. The only fluid our students will get is water,”...

Members of the public are being reminded that the Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James continues to offer medical services even as infrastructure works are being undertaken at the facility. “It is important to point out that the hospital is not closed,” Chairman of the hospital’s Independent Oversight Committee, Professor Archibald McDonald, said in an interview with JIS News. “The...

Jamaica’s mosquito control programme has been further strengthened with the establishment of another national insectary. The facility, which was officially opened on May 3, is located at the National Public Health Laboratory in Kingston. Its operations are integral to bolstering the Government’s thrust to reduce the spread of vector-borne diseases, such as Dengue Fever and the Zika virus, through interventions...

The National Health Fund (NHF) has donated 12 new autoclaves, valued $9.3 million, to infirmaries islandwide. Autoclaves are equipment used to sterilize surgical and laboratory instruments, and pharmaceutical items, among other medical apparatus. The devices were presented to Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, by NHF Chief Executive Officer, Everton Anderson, during a ceremony at the Ministry...

The delivery of primary healthcare to residents of Black River in St. Elizabeth has received a major boost through the recent expansion and renovation of the Black River Health Centre. Health Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, on Thursday (May 2) reopened the health centre, which was renovated at a cost of $13 million provided by the Tourism Enhancement Fund...

Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, is encouraging persons to get immunised against diseases such as Measles, as non-action can have severe impact on the population. The Minister, who was delivering the keynote address at a National Immunisation Fair held on April 30 under the theme, ‘Protect Your Health. Do Your Part. #GetVax’, at the Spanish Town Prison...