Jamaica’s monkeypox and COVID-19 infection levels remain low as the Ministry of Health and Wellness continues efforts to curtail the viruses’ spread across the island. Portfolio Minister, Dr the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said that as of December 15, there were 18 confirmed cases of Monkeypox with only one being active. “Sixteen of the 18 were locally transmitted, which means we...

Owners of the Treasure Beach Inn and Bar, St. Elizabeth, Ernie and Jacqueline Muirhead, have donated $1 million in equipment and medical supplies to the Black River Hospital. The overseas-based couple made the donation recently, fulfilling a commitment they made after seeing that there was a shortage of critical medical equipment at the south coast hospital. “In July 2022, my...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is moving to increase immunisation coverage through a national ‘mop up/catch up’ campaign. Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, provided details at a press conference held at his New Kingston offices in St. Andrew on Thursday (December 15). The Minister, in noting that coverage is not at the desired levels, said that the...

Jamaicans are being urged to not abandon their loved ones at hospitals during the Christmas holiday. Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, in making the appeal, said it is a common practice for persons to leave their elderly or sick relatives at hospital, so that they can have a “hassle free” Christmas. He noted that these...

Drivers are being implored to take extra care on the roads during the holiday season to prevent crashes that could land them in hospital with severe injuries. Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, made the call while addressing the end-of-year press conference at the Ministry in Kingston on Thursday (December 15). He said that hospitals come...

Jamaicans are being urged to take precautions against the Influenza (flu) virus. National Epidemiologist (Acting), Dr. Ardene Harris, in making the call, said that since the start of the flu season in October, there has been an increase in hospital admissions for acute respiratory infections among children aged six months to four years old. The flu season will continue until...

To ensure reliability of medical machines in the public health system, the Government is exploring the long-term leasing of equipment, says Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton. Speaking at an open house and exhibition for the rehabilitation of the Old Harbour Health Centre in St. Catherine, on December 14), the Minister said the maintenance of machines...