More

There have been modest gains in family planning and reproductive health in the island since 2002, with data showing a decline in the fertility rate and improvement in sexual health practices among the adolescent age group. As contained in the 2008 reproductive health survey, the findings of which were revealed at a dissemination seminar hosted by the National Family Planning...

Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer says Jamaica has been praised internationally for its management of the Influenza A(H1N1) outbreak. Minister Spencer was speaking at the 63rd annual educational conference of the Association of Public Health Inspectors held at the Iberostar Rose Hall hotel in Montego Bay St. James today (Tuesday, October 27, 2009). Minister Spencer pointed out that the...

The Pratville Health Centre, south Manchester, has been renovated by over 40 employees of Jamalco and residents of the community. Work which was done at the facility on Friday (October 23), forms part of Alcoa's (the parent company of Jamalco) 2009 worldwide month of service, and included repainting the nurses' quarters and benches located in the patients' reception hall. "The...

Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer, has lauded the National Family Planning Board (NFPB) for the inroads made by the organisation in increasing the use of condoms, and other forms of contraception, among Jamaicans. The Minister also commended the NFPB for its consistent efforts, over the past 42 years, in offering quality counselling and family planning options and other reproductive...

Jamaica observes Lupus Awareness Month in October, and on Sunday (October 25) the Lupus Foundation of Jamaica will stage its annual symposium at the Physiology Lecture Theatre, University of the West Indies UWI), Mona at 12 noon. The symposium will feature presentations from Consultant Rheumatologist, Department of Medicine, UWI, Dr. Karel De Ceulaer, who will speak on Lupus and Fibromyalgia,...

The Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, has lauded the Jamaica Cancer Society for its work in encouraging persons to get tested for cancer, in a bid to eliminate the disease as a major health challenge in Jamaica. "I commend the members of the Jamaica Cancer Society for the exemplary work that they have done, over the...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles, has assured members of the Practical Nurses Association of Jamaica that the Government is exploring making financing available to them to pursue the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) programme. The programme is currently being offered at Knox Community College, Brown's Town Community College and the Nuttall Hospital, in collaboration with the Ministry...

Minister of Health, Hon Rudyard Spencer, commended Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) in Montego Bay St. James, Everton Anderson, and his staff for their effective management of the health facility, during a tour on Friday (October 23). Describing the CRH as 'a well run institution', the Minister said that, despite the economic downturn and other...

The Ministry of Health is advising persons who are at high risk for complications from Influenza A(H1N1) to pay special attention to their health and visit their healthcare provider immediately if they experience flu-like symptoms. These persons include pregnant women, persons with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, asthma, heart disease or any condition that impairs the immune...

Minister of Health, Hon Rudyard Spencer, has proposed several measures to increase immunisation of children, and improve infant and maternal mortality figures, which have not changed significantly in over a decade. At the launch of the Jamaican component of the Global Study on Child Poverty and Disparities, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, on Wednesday (October 21), Mr. Spencer...

Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer, has welcomed the publication of the study on Child Poverty and Disparities in Jamaica, saying it provides important information to policy makers and technocrats. Mr. Spencer, who was the guest speaker at the launch of the study at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel yesterday (October 21), said it would help to determine the effectiveness of...

The Government will be acquiring additional antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Cabinet has approved the award of contracts to Hetero Drugs Limited and Matrix Laboratories Limited in the sums of US$529,793 and US$784,823, respectively for the supply of the drugs. Addressing yesterday's (October 21) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Minister without Portfolio in the Office of...