The Heart Foundation of Jamaica (JFJ) is imploring Jamaicans to be vigilant about their heart health and aware of the indicators that may point to the development or existence of cardiac conditions. Speaking with JIS News, Cardiologist at the HFJ, Dr. Rohan Wilks, says it is important that persons know their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, as these...

Four companies that produce sauces and spices are to receive food-safety certification this fiscal year as the Government works to increase the competitiveness of food-processing entities, particularly in the export markets. This will bring to six the number of firms in this industry to receive certification under the Economic Partnership Agreement II (EPA II) Capacity Building Project. The project aims...

The Government will be spending $647 million to carry out interventions in the 2018/19 fiscal year under its ‘HIV Prevalence in Most-at-Risk Population Reduced’ project. The funds have been provided in the Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives.  Anticipated targets for the fiscal year include: providing 1, 733 men who have sex with men (MSM) and 368...

The Ministry of Health’s programme to reduce new HIV infections among key populations has been boosted through a $758 million allocation for 2018/19. The provision has been made in the Estimates of Expenditure, which is now before the House of Representatives.  The allocation, under the ‘Support to the National HIV/AIDS Response in Jamaica’ project, will enable the Ministry to develop...

The Government will continue to upgrade health facilities to reduce neonatal deaths with a $759-million allocation in the 2018/2019 Budget, now before the House of Representatives. Under the Programme for Reduction of Maternal and Child Mortality (PROMAC), designs will be completed for 11 High Dependency Units (HDUs) at six hospitals, as well as procurement of equipment for the HDUs. Details...

Phase II of the Cornwall Regional Hospital Rehabilitation project, which includes significant work on the ventilation system, is expected to be completed in the 2018/19 fiscal year. This was disclosed by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, while delivering the 2018/19 Throne Speech in Parliament on February 15. Citing other programmes that will be undertaken by the...

The Ministry of Health will be embarking on a public education campaign to inform persons about the harmful effects of alcohol use, as part of a national policy to reduce health challenges. Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says action must be taken through government policy, regulations and education to restrict the high consumption of alcohol, which the World...