A Bill to validate and confirm as lawful, all official acts done by the purported members of the Quarantine Authority was passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, November 18. The Quarantine (Validation and Indemnification) Act was piloted by Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson. Dr. Ferguson explained that Section 3 (3) of the Quarantine Act facilitates the...

Researchers from the University of the West Indies (UWI) Department of Medicine are appealing to persons, who have been selected to participate in the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study, not be fearful of the spirometry testing that is being administered under the research. The BOLD study is part of an international research, which requires countries to provide data...

Some $400,000 has been disbursed to persons who participated in the National Health Fund (NHF), 2014 Weight Loss Competition. This was the sixth staging of the competition which was launched as part of efforts to reduce chronic illnesses. The initiative, which kicked off in April, lasted for six months and saw the winners, which included individuals and teams receiving their...

Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Julian Robinson is reminding students that they can play a part in ensuring that their surroundings are clean. He noted that cleanliness is important in eliminating and minimising vector borne diseases such as the Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV). Vector-borne diseases rely on organisms such as mosquitoes, ticks or...

The University of Technology (UTech) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a California-based medical cannabis laboratory to explore mutual opportunities for research and development of medical marijuana. The agreement was inked by Acting President, UTech, Ambassador Burchell Whiteman and Chief Scientist, Steep Hill Labs Incorporated, Dr. Donald Land, at a special ceremony held this morning (Nov.14), at the...

Chief  Inspector at the Kingston and St. Andrew  Public Health Department, Everton Baker, is urging the public to take care of the environment, as the country continues to deal with the effects of the Chikungunya virus (CHIK-V). “You should ensure that you inspect your home and ensure that you scrub your vases and even your refrigerator drip tray (to get...

Jamaicans in the United Kingdom (UK) have donated 10 forehead thermometers valued at nearly $125,000, to assist with the country’s Ebola preparedness. The thermometers were funded by the Association of Jamaicans UK Trust, which is comprised of individuals and organisations that support health care in Jamaica, and were sourced by the International Healthcare Group UK. Minister of Local Government and...