The launch of a competency-based training programme in dietetics and nutrition has been hailed by Health Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton. Speaking at the ceremony on June 3, in Kingston, Dr. Tufton said the programme is critical, especially at a time when nutrition-related chronic illnesses are ranking at the top of the disease profile in the country. The Supervised...

The Ministry of Health is looking to implement a volunteerism policy for the country’s public hospitals. Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said the aim is to facilitate compassionate care for patients who may be recuperating from surgeries, or need to spend long periods at hospital. He said that volunteers, under the supervision of hospital staff, could perform services...

Permanent Secretary in the Health Ministry, Dr. Kevin Harvey, says the Ministry has committed an additional $100 million to fight the Zika virus (ZikV). He made the announcement at a press conference at the Ministry in New Kingston on June 2. The Permanent Secretary noted that the budget continues to change, based on the scope of work that the Ministry...

Hundreds of children from Allman Town and communities in the Cross Roads area of Kingston benefited from a health fair organised by the National Child Month Committee (NCMC). The Children’s Health and Wellness Fair, held on May 28 at the Douglas Orane Auditorium, Wolmer’s Boys’ School, was the final event for Child Month 2016. Children received free dental, eye and...

Despite heavy mid-afternoon showers in western and north-eastern parishes, scores of volunteers turned out on May 23 for Labour Day projects in the parishes of St. Ann and Trelawny. Activities were focused on the beautification of town centres and markets, painting of police stations and the cleaning of drains. In St. Ann, the parish project was the cleaning of the Alexandria...

The Ministry of Health will, in upcoming weeks, be launching a community leadership forum, to engage leaders of community-based organisations across the island to collaborate in the development of measures to fight vector-borne diseases. Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, made the disclosure in an interview with JIS News ahead of a ceremony to open the National Labour...

Representatives of the South African High Commission in Kingston volunteered their time and efforts to the National Labour Day project yesterday (May 23) in Portmore, St. Catherine. Work involved the cleaning of drains, gullies, the removal of bulky waste, trimming of trees, erection of signs in Gregory Park, Washington Mews and Christian Pen. The Gregory Park Basic School was also...