Director-designate of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Jarbas Barbosa da Silva Jr., was sworn into office on Tuesday (January 31), during a ceremony in the United States (US) capital, Washington DC. He succeeds Dr. Carissa Etienne, under whose tenure he served as Assistant Director, and will commence his five-year term on Wednesday (February 1). Dr. Etienne, a native...

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, is appealing to pregnant women to get early and regular antenatal care to ensure a safe and healthy delivery. She said that too many women are presenting to clinic late, which delays detection and treatment of conditions that could pose a risk to mother and baby, such as poor nutrition and health issues....

The parish of St. James and, by extension, Jamaica now have improved capabilities to offer psychological support at the community level following the graduation of the initial cohort of psychological first aid responder trainees, at the S Hotel in Montego Bay on Friday (January 27). The 20 men and women are tasked with providing first response in the areas of...

The Government has taken steps to strengthen healthcare delivery at three hospitals that provide care for newborns, including measures to ensure greater compliance with the recommended standards for staffing and infection prevention and control. The measures were highlighted by Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, at a forum on Tuesday (January 24), to share the main...

Gastroenteritis is on the rise again in Westmoreland, says Medical Officer of Health for the parish, Dr. Marcia Graham. Gastroenteritis is a condition that causes irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines. The symptoms may include headache, fever, and abdominal cramps (stomach aches). Infection may be caused by bacteria or parasite in spoiled food, unclean water, or dirty hands....

Thousands of Jamaicans received free medical services and procedures, which were carried out by an 80-member team from the United States (US)-based Organization for International Development (OID) from January 16 to 20. Jamaican-born dentist residing in New York, Dr. Roy Streete, led the team of volunteers, which included primary-care providers, who carried out clinics in Manchester, St. Elizabeth, St. James,...

Service delivery on the maternity ward at the Noel Holmes Hospital in Lucea, Hanover, has been improved through the donation of a Cardiotocograph by the USA’s non-profit healthcare provider, Northwell Health, on Friday, January 20. The equipment is utilised as part of routine prenatal care to assist in monitoring a baby’s heartbeat and the uterine contractions during pregnancy. The hospital now...