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Employees living with HIV/AIDS may soon face less discrimination from employers as a result of the National HIV/AIDS Workplace policy document, which is being prepared for tabling in Parliament. The policy document is aimed at sensitizing and educating employers on the issues relating to the disease. In addition, the Ministry of Health's National HIV/STD Control Programme has implemented two national...

Equipment valued at almost J$10 million has been officially handed over to the May Pen Hospital on the occasion of its 30th anniversary celebrations. The handing over took place recently on the hospital grounds. Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Nadia Howe commended the business community and the respective donors for their partnership in providing healthcare...

The Manchester Health Department (MHD) will be staging a series of community meetings in the parish from February 6 to 12, as part of activities to mark 'Safer Sex Week'. The first meeting will be held in the Greenvale community on February 7, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The Jamaica Information Service will assist in the staging of this event, which...

The Old Harbour Church of God of Prophecy in St. Catherine has opened a $2.5 million wellness centre to provide healthcare services to residents of that community, particularly the elderly. The facility, located at 47 Bowers Drive, is being operated in partnership with the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC). Myrtle Hutchinson, project committee member, told JIS News that the...

The Registrar General’s Department (RGD) has opened a branch at 3 Jewel Close in Santa Cruz, to meet the growing demand for services by the people of St. Elizabeth. Speaking to JIS News at today’s (Jan. 31) opening, Chief Executive Officer of the RGD, Dr. Patricia Holness, said that the Santa Cruz office brought to three, the number of regional...

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Howard Cooke, will visit Canada from January 2 to 8, at the invitation of renowned Jamaican Ophthalmic Surgeon, Dr. Garth Taylor. A release from King's House today (December 30), said during his visit, Sir Howard will have his eyes tested and treated by Dr. Taylor. During his absence, the Very Reverend Canon the...

Five years ago, a person would not willingly admit to having the HIV infection as the stigma surrounding the disease was so great, it was considered taboo. Today, while there are still reservations about publicly declaring the condition, individuals can feel more comfortable discussing the issue. This is the stage Jamaica has reached since the Ministry of Health put in...

Disability Awareness Week is being celebrated in Clarendon from November 28 to December 3 under the theme: 'Nothing about us, without us'. Michelle O'Connor, Co-ordinator of the Clarendon Group for the Disabled, told JIS News that several activities have been planned to commemorate the week, which began with a church service on November 28 at the Kellits New Testament Church....

Health Minister, John Junor is urging Jamaicans who suffer from chronic illnesses, to take advantage of the National Health Fund (NHF), which provides assistance to persons with such conditions by subsidising their prescription costs. In addition, the Minister is also encouraging doctors to advise their patients to enroll with the Fund. Speaking at a media luncheon organised by the NHF...

Beneficiaries of the National Health Fund (NHF) now have access to over 800 prescription items, as the NHF has substantially increased the number of drugs it provides for its cardholders. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NHF, Rae Barrett, has announced that beginning next Monday, November 1, the Fund would cover more than 800 items, up from the 500 drugs...

The St. Elizabeth Health Department has planned a number of activities to mark World AIDS Day on December 1. Parish Health Educator, Delphene Grandison told JIS News that the theme for this year's observance is 'Women with AIDS'. Activities will include the printing of placards with catchy slogans to provide the public with information about the disease, while laminated bookmarkers...

November will be observed as Health Month by the St. Ann Health Committee. The Month will be celebrated under the theme: 'Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Environment Equals Healthy People'. Members of the Committee will be hosting several events to educate the public and promote good health among residents in the parish. There will be a series of health exhibitions at the...