The Government has earmarked $3 billion under the Health Services Improvement Project to expand service delivery at public health facilities. Details of the funds are outlined in the 2019/20 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives. The allocation will be used for infrastructure work at seven hospitals and three health centres to include upgrading of sewerage systems, laboratories,...

Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says proper disposal of solid waste is critical to controlling the mosquito population and reducing related diseases. According to the Minister, persons must adjust their approach and behaviour and manage their surroundings, as mosquito-borne diseases will remain a “potential threat” to the health and well-being of many persons. Dr. Tufton was delivering...

The Government has allocated $235 million in 2019/2020 to complete design work on the Western Children Adolescent Hospital in Montego Bay, St. James. The details are contained in the 2019/2020 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives. The figure will also fund a number of essentials for the 220-bed facility. Other works will include site preparation, setting up...

Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, is calling for the redoubling of efforts to end discrimination against persons living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Delivering the keynote address at the official opening of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Medical Centre on Hagley Park Road in St. Andrew on February 18, Dr. Tufton said while some groups are...

The Westmoreland Health Department has stepped up its thrust to educate citizens in the parish about dengue fever. “We have been carrying out dengue sensitisation in several communities as well as partnering with schools,” Health Promotions and Education Officer, Gerald Miller, told JIS News. “We engage the teachers by asking them to pass on information in their lessons. They (teachers)...

The Government has targeted three major hospitals for service upgrades during the 2019/20 financial year. These are Spanish Town, St. Catherine; May Pen, Clarendon; and St. Ann’s Bay in St. Ann. Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, said that the upgrades are in keeping with population expansion and the increased need for specialist medical services. He was...

A sum of $638 million has been set aside in the 2019/20 Estimates of Expenditure for the HIV Prevalence in Most-at-Risk Population Reduced Project. The funds will go towards increasing safer sex practices; strengthening care, counselling and treatment services; and addressing stigma and discrimination among vulnerable and high-risk groups, including men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex...