The Government has set aside $869 million in the 2019/2020 Budget for the improvement of health facilities to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health. This is outlined in the Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives. Under the Programme for Reduction of Maternal and Child Mortality (PROMAC), funded by the Government and the European Union (EU), High...

Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, is warning that persons who refuse to destroy mosquito breeding sites on their property could face penalties. He said there is law that allows for fines on individuals or business entities that reject warnings to eradicate such areas on their premises. “I believe that the time has come, and we need to...

Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says the vector control mechanism will be strengthened in order to reduce transmission of dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses. He said that the enhanced programme will include boosting the number of personnel deployed to communities to assist in the elimination of mosquito breeding sites. Dr. Tufton noted that some 500 communities...

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is being finalised between Jamaica and India to upgrade the quality and scope of resources in healthcare, medical education and training, and research in both countries. Specifically, the agreement will result in the exchange and training of medical doctors, nurses, and other health professionals. It will also facilitate the setting up of healthcare facilities and...

The Universal Service Fund (USF), in partnership with the National Blood Transfusion Service, is inviting the support of the public at their blood drive on February 7 at the PCJ Auditorium, 36 Trafalgar Road, in Kingston, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Marketing and Public Relations Manager at the USF, Deleen Powell, said the Fund, as part of its corporate...

Parents are being advised to observe the recommended safety measures put forward by the Ministry of Health to protect children from contracting dengue fever. Speaking with JIS News, Consultant Paediatrician/Paediatric Nephrologist at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, Dr. Sandrica Young Peart, said that children are among the most vulnerable groups at risk of contracting the virus. “Individuals or persons who...

Wife of the Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness, is imploring women to take care of their health and nutrition before and during pregnancy in order to ensure the best outcome for mother and child. She noted that poor nutrition and excess body weight prior to pregnancy are key contributors to many of the complications of pregnancy, including gestational...