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Minister of Health and Environment, Rudyard Spencer, has suggested that policy space should be "freed up," to include the participation of more experts, professionals, and civil society in the health sector. Mr. Spencer emphasised that health is no longer an issue for just health professionals, citing the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Asia, in 2003, which he...

Marge Roper of the Counselling Service, National Family Planning Board, has said that the absence of a patriarchal figure in the home, is contributing immensely to the increasingly risky behaviour of adolescents. Citing research, the Counsellor told JIS News, that while the adolescent years are challenging and often characterised by identity issues, sexual activity is likely to start earlier in...

The Government has increased the 2008/2009 Budget by $18.4 billion, with the bulk of the additional expenditure going to liquidity support for the financial sector, as well as increased salaries for the police, teachers and health personnel. The Ministry of Finance and the Public Service will be lending $13.6 billion to the Development Bank of Jamaica(DBJ), for liquidity support for...

A state-of-the-art anaesthetic machine, valued at over $3.5 million, has been handed over to the Mandeville Regional Hospital, in Manchester, by the Rotary Club of Mandeville. Making the presentation on January 23, President of the Club, McClooney Blair, said in its drive to serve the community, the Club has used local fund-raising ventures, and help from its international partners, to...

A four-year pilot project, which is aimed at boosting the human resources requirements in the health sector, is currently being carried out in the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA). Speaking a recent media forum held at the Kingston offices of the Ministry of Health, which formed part of a two-day project steering committee meeting, Director of Human Resource Management...

State Minister for National Security, Senator Arthur Williams has noted that preparing for an influenza pandemic requires the leveraging of all instruments of national power, and coordinated action by all segments of Government and society. "Influenza viruses do not respect distinctions of race, sex, age, profession or nationality, and are not constrained to geographic boundaries," he pointed out. Senator Williams,...

Minister of Health and Environment, Rudyard Spencer has said that a holistic approach should be taken to combat the effects of an influenza pandemic, should one occur. This approach, he noted, is of critical importance and will ensure that "we never lose sight of the possible impact of an influenza pandemic on a wider economy and on national security," he...

A two-day workshop and conference on pandemic influenza, is being staged from January 21 to 22 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, to discuss and plan prevention strategies, and economic recovery in the event of an influenza crisis. It will also focus on the Caribbean Community sustaining power, sewer, food, water and medical supplies, and other critical infrastructure. The...

The country's health sector has been boosted with the recent graduation of 44 general nursing and basic midwifery students from the Cornwall School of Nursing. Addressing the graduating ceremony held recently at King's Seventh Day Adventist Church in Mt. Salem, St. James, Rev. Everton Jackson, Pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Montego Bay, urged the graduates to use their...

Minister of Health and Environment, Rudyard Spencer, has said that the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will not take place without a paradigm shift in the health and environment sectors. Making his contribution in the 2008/09 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, yesterday (June 3), Mr. Spencer said that these two sectors account (directly or indirectly) for...

Minister of Health and Environment, Rudyard Spencer, has said that a committee has been established to aid in the renewal of the country's Primary Health Care system. He pointed out that by September 2008, the committee would develop the concept and framework for a renewed Primary Health Care System in Jamaica; develop a strategic plan for a comprehensive and renewed...

Minister of Health and Environment, Rudyard Spencer has assured that all relevant stakeholders have been engaged regarding the removal of user fees at public health facilities, except the University Hospital of the West Indies. He said all are now onboard and committed to ensuring that the policy succeeds. "We have met with every critical player in healthcare in Jamaica especially...