Cabinet Secretary, Audrey Sewell, has charged public servants to be resolute in their commitment to effective and efficient systems and services and to be fair, impartial, and professional in the performance of their duties. “Despite the various challenges, the standard of excellence for us as public servants cannot be compromised. Our citizens demand excellence and we must deliver,” she said....

Following the earthquake that affected sections of the island on Monday, October 30, 2023, the Ministry of Health & Wellness advises the public that persons may experience stress, anxiety, and depression as common reactions to any disaster. Persons may display these signs following a traumatic experience: • Difficulty breathing • Chest and muscle pains • Feeling faint, dazed or lightheaded...

Cancer registration data systems are being strengthened with the introduction of an oncology module that will be used across the country’s Regional Health Authorities. The data will be collected using the District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2) and aims to further assist in the country’s ability to monitor the effectiveness of health promotion activities, allocation of resources and interventions to...

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has called for a collective effort to combat praedial larceny, which has plagued the nation for years. State Minister, Hon. Franklin Witter, made the appeal during a Public Health Inspectors Sensitisation Session at Hibiscus Lodge in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on October 24. He argued that it will take State agencies, the private...

The eighth staging of the Scientific Research Council (SRC) ‘Conversations in Science Series’ will focus on men’s mental health under the theme ‘Zero Male Suicide: Men’s Life Matter’. The event is set for October 26 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St. James. Speaking with JIS News, Technical Information Officer at the SRC, Latanniya Johnson, said the...

To further cushion the cost persons have to pay for prescription drugs, the National Health Fund (NHF) has added five new health conditions to its NHF Card Programme. Beginning Tuesday (October 24), the agency’s card programme is providing increased support for Colorectal Cancer, Lung Cancer, Multiple Myeloma, Parkinson’s Disease, and Thyroid Disease. “This represents an estimated $450 million in additional...

The region is moving closer towards the implementation of Caribbean Moves, an initiative aimed at reducing the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The first of a two-day Regional Consultation on the Framework for the Caribbean Moves Initiative was held on Tuesday (October 24) at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston. The consultation, hosted by the Caribbean Public Health Agency...