Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government is committed to ensuring there is an efficient waste management and garbage collection service in all communities. He said this is critical to prevent garbage build-up, which leads to breeding of disease-carrying vectors, such as mosquitoes and rodents. Mr. Holness was addressing a gathering at the Olympic Gardens Civic Centre...

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...

Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Hon. Derrick Smith, is encouraging Jamaicans to make healthier lifestyle choices that will minimise the risks associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The four main categories of NCDs which are prevalent in Jamaica are: cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and strokes; cancer; chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma; and diabetes. “There is...

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...

The Health Ministry will enter the second phase of its public health response to the Zika virus (ZikV), which will target pregnant women and their partners, and persons who develop severe conditions such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, made the announcement at a press conference held at the Ministry in New Kingston on June 2....

The Jamaica Red Cross Mandeville branch is seeking to raise funds to provide wheelchair accessible transportation for physically challenged persons in Manchester. The service will assist the elderly, stroke and accident victims and other persons with mobility challenges. It is the major project of the Mandeville Red Cross for 2016. Speaking at the fundraiser dinner held on Saturday (May 28)...