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The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) has taken a clear policy position to focus on strengthening the primary health care system, in its thrust to lessen the burden that is placed on hospitals in the island. Health Minister, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, explains that there is an urgent need for citizens to use the services offered at primary care facilities where...

The Government is spending some $3.08 billion on two years supply of pharmaceuticals, including a range of drugs for chronic illnesses, such as hypertension. This sum is being expended through 28 contracts with as many local and international suppliers. The announcement was made on March 14, by Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, at the Jamaica...

The Dental Auxiliaries of Jamaica will be hosting their annual conference from March 14 to 16, as part of the effort to educate members about the new trends in dental practice, as well as the importance of providing effective oral health care. The conference, to be held at Breezes Runaway Bay, in St. Ann, forms part of the activities by...

Minister of Health, Dr. Fenton Ferguson, has reiterated that the ongoing review of the abolition of the user fee policy within the health sector is critical, as it seeks to identify gaps within the sector. He explained that this review will determine the gaps in the system across a number of areas, including human resource, finance and the provision of...

His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales (always known as Prince Harry), was given a warm  welcome this morning (March 6), during his first visit to the only specialist paediatric hospital in the Caribbean, the Bustamante Hospital for Children in Kingston. The Prince, who is on a four-day visit to the island in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of his...

Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, is suggesting that time be taken by school administrators at various intervals to assess the mental health and needs of students entering the institution. “Should we not take the first term of school for entering students, transfer students and suspend the classes and just make sure that we use that period for diagnosis...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Noel Arscott, said that the government will be employing a more environmentally-friendly approach to tackling the mosquito nuisance in Portmore, St. Catherine. “We are going to use a new approach. It’s a chemical, which will attack the (mosquito) larvae, which will be biodegradable,” he told JIS News on February 23 following a...

Health Minister, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, has signalled his commitment to work to strengthen the capabilities of the National Public Health Laboratory. “My task as Minister… is to help to facilitate your programmes and to recognise your work and your worth. You have in me as your Minister… one who recognises the need to strengthen your institution,” the Minister told...

Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, has reiterated that there will be no changes to the no user fee policy at public hospitals before there is a Government health card in place. This is said, as the administration is determined to offer universal primary healthcare to persons who use primary public health facilities. The Minister was addressing staff and...

The Jamaica Cancer Society will stage its third annual Anti-Tobacco Youth Forum today (February 16) under the theme: ‘We hold the future in our hands… Let’s begin by making it smoke free.' Scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Girl Guides Association of Jamaica headquarters in Kingston, the forum targets students from schools in Kingston and St. Andrew, and...

Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, has informed that the Government will retain the no user fee policy at the level of the primary health care system, such as clinics. “A waiver system will be introduced at the secondary/tertiary care level to allow for patients who are assessed as having the ability to pay to be billed and charged,...

The issue of HIV/AIDS has been a discussion topic for many persons within the workplace, as a result of the stigma and discrimination associated with this life threatening illness. Against this background, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) has embarked on several initiatives to raise the level of awareness about HIV/AIDS in the workplace. Programme Director for HIV/AIDS...