Introduction   Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to speak to a very important matter related to public health. We are faced with an increase in the spread of the chikungunya virus. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the robust discussion that we have been having across the island because it tells me that Jamaicans are at...

The Ministry of Health can confirm that seven (7) cases of tuberculosis were identified among persons who were remanded in Police Lock-Ups in the KSA between January-August 2013. Investigations so far reveal that the infections are unlikely to have been acquired in lockups but rather in their communities of origin. The public can be assured that active cases are being...

The Ministry of Health continues to formulate policies and programmes to reach the goal of a healthy and stable population. As part of my commitment to secure the health and wellbeing of the people of Jamaica, the Ministry of Health has crafted a Strategic Business Plan which takes into account our National Development Plan Vision 2030, this Administration’s Manifesto and...

It was a matter of record that although the Cornwall Regional Hospital was completed under a People’s National Party government, however, the real paternity for the idea must rest with the former public servant, former Member of Parliament and former Minister of Health, Dr. Herbert Eldemire. The notion that the Cornwall Regional Hospital should be named after the late public...

The Ministry of Health is aware of strong public sentiment following recent reports of high bacterial load on samples of at least four (4) brands of household toilet tissue. We take even more interest in this matter as indications are that the Bureau of Standards’ (BSJ) testing of several brands was prompted by reports of gynaecological incidents. The test results...

Jamaica joins the rest of the international community to observe World Diabetes Day this year, under the theme “Diabetes: Protect Our Future”. This is an important message and comes at a time in which our health, productivity and development are threatened by the epidemic of non-communicable diseases including diabetes. NCDs kill 36 million persons each year of which 4% of...

Salutations: I am most grateful for this opportunity to address your association. Insurers and the health ministry share many interests in common, including a vested interest in preserving the well-being of our clients. We share many similar goals in this regard. I am pleased with your continued support to the health sector over the years through your outreach projects including...

Health care has a significant role to play towards the social and economic health and development of our nation. Family planning is essential in contributing to this process. Family planning is one of the most cost effective health interventions that can have a positive effect on the health of women, children, families and communities. This has been an important platform...