More than 13,000 residents from Green Pond and surrounding communities in St. James are accessing primary healthcare in more spacious and comfortable surroundings, following the completion of renovations at the Green Pond Health Centre. This work was completed at a cost of $30 million under the Government’s Operation Refresh initiative. It included expansion of the building to provide air-conditioned medical...

The Portland Health Department has issued an appeal for residents to remain vigilant in protecting themselves against dengue fever even as the parish recorded a low positivity rate for the disease in 2024. Medical Officer of Health for Portland, Dr. Sharon Lewis, who was addressing the recent monthly meeting of the Portland Municipal Corporation, reported that 91 suspected cases of...

The National Compliance and Regulatory Authority (NCRA) is assuring Jamaicans that multipurpose cleaners available locally under the Fabuloso brand are safe to use. Inspector with Oversight of the Import and Domestic Commodities Inspectorate, Lenworth Clarke, told JIS News that claims of contaminated products being circulated on social media sites are false. “The NCRA is aware of a video recording and...

The St. Elizabeth Health Department is urging residents of the parish, and Jamaicans in general, to take extra precautions to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses during the current flu season, which ends in March. Medical Officer of Health for the Department, Dr. Tonia Dawkins-Beharie, made the call while addressing the Disaster Preparedness, Hazard Mitigation, and Safety Committee meeting at the...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is urging Jamaicans to begin the health screening process and to know their numbers earlier than the generally recommended time. Risk Factor Programme Development Officer in the Ministry, Dr. Cathi-Ann Williams, said that people usually begin doing Executive Profiles at the age of 40, but argued that with the high incidence of early onset...

As Jamaicans prepare for a festive feast this Christmas, the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is urging consumers to prioritise food safety to ensure a healthy and enjoyable holiday period. Director of Communications at the CAC, Latoya Halstead, told JIS News that individuals must adhere to proper food-handling practices, such as cleaning and properly cooking foods to prevent foodborne illnesses. “We...

Persons are being reminded not to drink alcohol while they are operating motor vehicles, as many crashes occur during the Christmas period, when persons overindulge. According to Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, the Yuletide season is a period when people eat and drink a lot, and overindulgence poses problems when people have to drive. “It...