The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information is advising schools to be on the lookout for symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease (HMFD) among children. Initial signs of the disease include fever and general malaise (poor appetite, aches and pain, etc.).  These symptoms generally last for one to two days before a blister-like rash appears on the hands, feet...

The Health Ministry is reporting that there is no microcephaly case linked to the Zika virus (ZIKV). Based on data provided by the Ministry at a press conference at its New Kingston Office on October 13, there have been three cases of microcephaly in children reported to the Ministry as at October 12. However, none was defined as severe microcephaly...

Health Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says he will be thoroughly reviewing a report presented to him on the deaths of four newborns at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH) last month. The babies, who were in the Special Care Nursery (SCN)/Neonatal Care Unit (NCU) at VJH, died within two days of birth. Investigations have shown that the infants’ deaths...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said having effective quality assurance systems in industries is crucial to the Government’s economic growth strategy. “Quality assurance is a key factor in our enterprises and industries being competitive, securing markets and building consumer confidence in our products,” he said. Mr. Holness was addressing the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) National Quality Awards...

Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, is calling for employers to hire more blind and visually impaired persons. “Let us not use a lack of sight or vision impairment to judge the competence of individuals, who more often than not are trained, competent and able to add value. I think as a country we need to do more...

The Glen Vincent Memorial Clinic has been a symbol of service excellence in the Trevennion Park Road community of St. Andrew for 40 years, providing quality maternity and paediatric care. For Audria Chambers, who was born and raised in Swallowfield, the clinic has always been a part of her life and is the first choice for health service for pregnant...

The Ministry of Health is aiming to attract over 100,000 medical tourists to the island within the next 10 years. Director of Policy Planning and Development in the Ministry, Howard Lynch, said the sector has the potential to provide tremendous economic benefits to the country. “At a growth rate of 20 per cent in 10 years, it is estimated that...