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The Registrar General's Department (RGD) will be introducing a cyber vendexing facility by July this year, which will better enable Jamaicans in remote communities, and those overseas, to access its services. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the RGD, Dr. Patricia Holness, who made the announcement while addressing the weekly luncheon of the Rotary Club of St. Andrew at the Jamaica...

Several Jamalco volunteers participated in pre-Labour Day activities at the Lionel Town Hospital in Clarendon, on Friday(May 15). The day was largely dedicated to the painting of the main walkway connecting the administrative block and outpatient departments to the wards. Community Relations Officer for the Clarendon-based bauxite company, Phillip Biggs, said that only a third of the work has already...

The St. Ann's Bay Hospital in St. Ann is to receive a face-lift on Labour Day, Monday, May 25. This is one of four national projects that will receive special attention on that day. The others are located in Clarendon, St. James and St. Catherine. The hospital's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ian Jarrett, told JIS News that the focus on...

As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, Courts Jamaica Limited has partnered with the Bustamante Hospital for Children to perform fifty (50) surgeries on children who need open heart surgery. Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer said that this partnership demonstrates the understanding of the needs in the health sector and a commitment towards improving the health of our nation's...

Chronic diseases are the greatest burden on healthcare in Jamaica, with over 60 per cent of admissions to hospitals across the island related to these conditions, said Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Fund (NHF), Hugh Lawson. He said that apart from affecting one's ability to work and be productive, chronic diseases impact on family income and increases poverty....

The Scotiabank National Primary Schools HIV and AIDS debate competition is helping students to develop greater sensitivity and empathy for persons affected by the disease, said Relief Manager at the bank's Mandeville branch, Janet Billings-Frith. She was addressing the semi-finals of the competition held on May 13 at the Manchester Club in Mandeville. "By targeting primary school children, we have...

The Ministry of Health is advising that arriving passengers from countries, which have reported cases of Influenza A (H1N1) will be provided with health alert cards, interviewed, and samples taken from them if necessary. This is part of the Ministry's heightened surveillance and monitoring system. The MOH is still not recommending travel restrictions and will follow the guidelines of the...

Residents of Moneague, St. Ann can take advantage of the FREE "Beyond the Horizon" medical and veterinary fairs being hosted by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the United States Embassy until May 20, 2009. The team conducting the medical fair was at Faith Tabernacle earlier this week, and will be at the Lime Hall Community Centre from today...

Jamaica's delegation to the annual World Health General Assembly (WHGA) is traveling to Geneva this week. The delegation is being led by Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer, who will be accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Grace Allen-Young and the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shiela Campbell-Forrester. Some issues to be discussed at the World...

The Ministry of Health is assuring members of the public that there is no cause for alarm when healthcare workers wear protective gear to care for patients who present with flu-like symptoms. Medical personnel are advised to wear protective gear as a routine precautionary measure. This does not necessarily mean that the patient has been infected with the Influenza A...

There have still not been any confirmed cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus in Jamaica, however, there has been a confirmation of one case in the Caribbean. In light of this the Ministry of Health has alerted all regions, parishes and critical sectors to ensure that priority strategies remain in place. These include continued heightened surveillance and monitoring activities...

Minister of Health Hon. Rudyard Spencer, has praised local nurses for the critical role they are playing in fostering the behavioural changes needed to improve the health status of Jamaicans. Mr. Spencer said this was vital, and in line with the Ministry's ongoing health promotion and protection drive, aimed at reducing chronic and lifestyle illnesses. Acting Chief Nursing Officer in...