Press Releases
Jamaica’s Ebola Response Plan Activated
In response to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) declaration of the Ebola Virus Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) made on July 17, 2019, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has activated its national Ebola Virus Disease Response Plan. Developed… Read More
July 23rd, 2019Approximately $200M to be spent on Hospital Elevators
Close to $200M is to be spent over the next 18 months to install 14 new elevators at hospitals in the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA). This announcement was made by Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, who delivered the main address at the latest elevator… Read More
July 16th, 2019Bustamante Hospital to get new Drug Serv Pharmacy
The Bustamante Hospital for Children is, within a matter of months, to become the home of a new and improved Drug Serv pharmacy. Financing for the more than $50-million, 3,000 square foot facility is being provided by the National Health Fund (NHF), an agency of the Ministry of Health and… Read More
July 15th, 2019Adopted: Slipe Pen Road Comprehensive Health Centre
Rainforest Seafoods recently signed a memorandum of understanding, officially adopting the Slipe Pen Road Comprehensive Health Centre in Kingston. This is courtesy of the Adopt-A-Clinic programme of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, designed to allow private sector entities, non-governmental organisations and individuals to respond to the infrastructure needs of… Read More
July 8th, 2019Enhanced Vector Control Activation for July 1
The Ministry of Health & Wellness will fully activate its enhanced Vector Control Programme commencing Monday, July 1, 2019. In keeping with recent annual trends, there is an expected increase in the breeding of mosquitoes in the summer months, including those that carry the dengue virus. In anticipation of that,… Read More
July 1st, 2019Jamaicans urged to reduce heat exposure
The Ministry of Health and Wellness is reminding the public that excessive heat stress is harmful to health and is potentially fatal. Jamaica, as other countries in the Caribbean, has a heat season that is typically between May and October each year. This year, extremely high temperatures are being recorded…. Read More
June 25th, 2019Jamaican Travellers should take precautions against Measles
The Ministry of Health and Wellness is advising travellers to countries known to have circulating measles virus to ensure that they are adequately protected. At this time of year when Jamaicans are preparing for travel overseas, the Ministry is reminding citizens to ensure that they and in particular, their children,… Read More
June 14th, 2019Consumers should be vigilant when receiving Potable Water – Health & Wellness Ministry
Given recent concerns by several stakeholders about the quality of the drinking water distributed by private trucking companies, the Ministry of Health and Wellness wishes to advise that as part of its regulatory responsibility, it continues to monitor the production and distribution of potable water intended for domestic and commercial… Read More
June 13th, 2019Health Ministry probes hospitals’ handling of reported rape victims
The Ministry of Health and Wellness notes with grave concern the recent incident involving a mother and her two daughters, who were reportedly turned away from one hospital and denied attention for several hours at another when they went for a rape kit exam. Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr… Read More
June 12th, 2019Health Ministry to investigate salt consumption in Jamaica
The Ministry of Health and Wellness is shortly to begin a study on the Salt Consumption Practices of Jamaicans. The study, which is to be conducted in partnership with the Caribbean Institute for Health Research at the University of the West Indies and cost an estimated $13.5 million, is intended… Read More
June 11th, 2019