Press Releases
Jamaican 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, 2019Multibillion-dollar infrastructure improvement for public health sector
The public health system is to be provided with upgraded or otherwise new health facilities to the tune of more than US$200 million (J$26 billion) over the next five years. “We are playing catch up since we have not seen any major overhaul of public health in decades. We have… Read More
June 5th, 2019Jamaica signs MOU for Nurses Training in UK
The Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Health & Wellness, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of the United Kingdom to train 13 Critical Care Nurses, beginning next month. The MOU was officially signed by Health & Wellness Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton and… Read More
May 27th, 2019Health Ministry to spend $1 billion on social cases, reduced waiting time for hospital services
The Ministry of Health and Wellness is to invest a billion dollars into efforts designed to yield a reduction on the waiting time for diagnostic services and specific surgeries in public health facilities. “I am happy to announce that this year, the Government will respond to the long waits for… Read More
May 22nd, 2019Health Ministry gets new name
The Ministry of Health has a new name – the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The name change reflects the new strategic direction for public health in Jamaica and is in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) definition of health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social… Read More
May 22nd, 2019May Pen Hospital to Save Millions Annually From New AC System
The project was financed and implemented by the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) through its Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programme, which finances investments in energy efficiency and energy conservation measures in the public sector. The multifaceted intervention involved the installation of a modern, energy efficient cooling system which utilises a… Read More
May 10th, 2019Message from the Minister of Health on Vaccination Week of the Americas April 20 – May 3, 2019
April 29th, 2019