Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women in Jamaica, a stark reality that underscores the urgency of robust screening, early detection, and accessible treatment. In the western region, where Westmoreland has emerged as the leading parish for breast cancer patients, the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) is at the forefront of this fight, coordinating prevention...

A life devoted to public service; the story of Dr. Christopher Charles Tufton is one of unwavering commitment to Jamaica. Driven by a sense of duty to country, he has served as an educator, politician, minister of government and mentor, dedicating his life to improving the condition of his fellow citizens. For his outstanding and important work in public health...

Distinguished medical practitioner, Dr. Nagamalleswara Rao Chandolu, will be conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD) on National Heroes’ Day, Monday, October 20, during the Ceremony of Investiture at King’s House. This national honour is in recognition of his dedicated service to the field of medicine in Jamaica. Popularly known as the ‘Five Bills Doctor’,...

A lifelong dedication to advancing healthcare in the Caribbean has culminated in a prestigious National Honour for Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist (OB/GYN) and Reproductive Specialist, Dr. Vernon DaCosta. Recognised for his profound contributions to medical development, particularly through his expertise in fertility research and gynaecological surgery, specialising in the treatment of endometriosis through minimal invasive surgery, Dr. DaCosta has been conferred with...

Some 200 men in Westmoreland turned out on September 25 for free prostate cancer screening hosted by the Misty Blue Cancer Care Foundation at Independence Park in Savanna-la-Mar, commemorating the organisation’s 10th anniversary of delivering health services in the parish. Participants lauded the initiative for providing accessible testing and raising awareness about early detection. Norman Cole, a semi-retired resident of...

As the Ministry of Health and Wellness ramps up measures to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs), psychiatrist at the Bellevue Hospital, Dr. Brian Kazaara, is highlighting the connection between chronic diseases and the neurodegenerative condition dementia. He tells JIS News that while there has been an increase in cases of dementia locally due to the aging population, certain medical...

Registered pharmacist, Joel Kenyon, is passionate about the profession. The manager of Neighbour Care Pharmacy in St. Ann's Bay, St. Ann, sees his job as more than just dispensing medications; it is going above and beyond to meet the healthcare needs of his patients. It also involves sourcing hard-to-find drugs, arranging deliveries, offering counselling, and guiding patients through assistance programmes....

The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) is intensifying its effort to eliminate hepatitis infections, particularly Hepatitis B, as part of the global agenda to end specific communicable diseases by 2030. Acting Director of the Family Health Unit in the MOHW, Dr. Julia Rowe-Porter, tells JIS News about the urgency of addressing the threat posed by the highly contagious virus....