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Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, says there is need for an effective regulatory framework governing the operations of the funeral industry in the island. “At present, inspections of funeral homes are carried out under the Public Health Act, but there is no specific regulation for the funeral industry… It is not enough for you to just register as...

Have you been experiencing bad coughs that have lasted for more than three weeks? Have you been feeling weak, coughing up blood, having chest pains, chills, night sweats, weight loss and/or loss of appetite? These are symptoms of the communicable disease tuberculosis (TB) and could very well be signs that you have been infected. Caused by the bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis,...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Coconut Industry Board (CIB) are using everything at their disposal, including research and replanting, to combat the lethal yellowing disease, which is threatening the livelihood of some 8,000 coconut farmers in Jamaica. Currently, these farmers are cultivating 3.3 million coconut palms on 13,500 hectares of land, producing approximately 97.4 million nuts for...

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...