The Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA) has issued a stark warning about the dire state of Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) in St James following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The association is demanding an urgent meeting with Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton to address what it describes as a “devastated” facility, contradicting official statements from regional health authorities.
分类： health
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Bodoe denies EWMSC blackout affected services
Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe has confirmed that critical medical services at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) in Mt Hope remained uninterrupted despite an alleged hour-long power outage on November 6. Speaking at the TT Revitalisation Blueprint event in St. Ann’s, Dr. Bodoe stated that he had been in contact with North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) chairman Dr. Tim Gopeesingh, who assured him that backup systems functioned as intended. ‘There was no impact at all. Hospitals always have a standby backup supply, and I’m informed backup supply services were able to continue,’ Dr. Bodoe told reporters. He added that the TT Electricity Commission (T&TEC) was on-site during the incident and that a full report has been requested from the NCRHA chairman. ‘The matter is being investigated, and I will get a full report from the chairman,’ he said, declining further comment until the report is received. The TT Registered Nurses Association (TTRNA) had initially reported the outage on its Facebook page, posting photos of darkened hallways with a caption suggesting that the entire hospital was in darkness, including the intensive care unit, and that generators failed to start. TTRNA president Idi Stuart described the incident as ‘deeply concerning’ and called for a transparent investigation. ‘No hospital in TT should suffer something like what went on today,’ he said, hinting that the association has information about the blackout but will wait for the RHA’s official statement before commenting further. Stuart emphasized that critical care units must never lose power and commended the nurses and medical staff for their tireless efforts to protect patients during the outage. He reiterated the association’s call for a comprehensive investigation and a public report to ensure the issue never recurs. The NCRHA recently announced the completion of the first phase of a major electrical and lighting upgrade at the EWMSC, supported by the TTEC, with the second phase currently underway to replace defective light poles and add new fixtures for full campus illumination.
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Sagicor Cares celebrates one year of transforming community health
Sagicor is marking the first anniversary of its groundbreaking community health initiative, Sagicor Cares, which has been transforming lives across Barbados since its launch in October 2024. This flagship programme, a collaborative effort involving Sagicor’s Wellness Nursing Team, the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) Field Medical Unit, and Cancer Support Services (CSS), has delivered free health screenings, wellness education, and cancer awareness to communities spanning from St Lucy to Christ Church. With visits to eleven of the island’s twelve parishes completed, the initiative is set to conclude its first nationwide circuit in January 2026 with a final stop in St John. To date, 1,310 individuals have benefited from screenings for hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, and cancer risk factors, alongside receiving valuable guidance on healthier living and lifestyle management. The programme has emerged as a shining example of how corporate-community partnerships can effectively bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility, bringing preventative care directly to the people. Paul Inniss, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sagicor Life Inc. (Barbados), emphasized the profound impact of the initiative, stating, ‘Reaching this milestone is a testament to the power of compassion and collaboration. Through Sagicor Cares, we’ve not only made health services more accessible but also empowered individuals with life-changing knowledge about their health. This is community care at its finest—meeting people where they are, offering hope, and fostering healthier lives.’ Inniss also praised the BDF Field Medical Team and Cancer Support Services for their invaluable contributions, highlighting their expertise and dedication as key drivers of the programme’s success. Looking ahead to 2026, Sagicor has pledged to expand the initiative’s reach and introduce additional health and wellness touchpoints, ensuring even more Barbadians can access essential screenings and education opportunities close to home.
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Exercise outside for better health
Outdoor exercise stands as one of the most beneficial activities for both physical and mental well-being. Across neighborhoods in St Philip, Barbados, and Trinidad, residents are seen embracing the morning sun with walks, chats, and even refreshing dips in the sea. Some start as early as 4 a.m., undeterred by weather or darkness, driven by the undeniable benefits of outdoor activity.
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MBS Run Walk Ride Returns to Inspire Fitness Across Antigua and Barbuda
The highly anticipated annual MBS Run Walk Ride is set to take place on Saturday, 22 November, drawing hundreds of participants eager to embrace fitness, unity, and enjoyment. Organized by the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS), the event will commence at 3:30 a.m. from two strategic locations: the MBS Headquarters on Nevis Street and the Bolans Community Clinic. Participants will converge at the picturesque Morris Bay for a grand finale. Offering flexibility for all fitness levels, individuals can choose to run, walk, or cycle. Group participation is particularly encouraged, with special awards reserved for the first team of ten or more members to cross the finish line together. The MBS Run Walk Ride not only promotes physical health but also strengthens community bonds, making it a cornerstone event in the national health calendar. Families, fitness enthusiasts, and community groups alike come together in a collective effort to champion wellness and active living.
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Public Health launches national rabies vaccination campaign for pets
The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health (MSP) has unveiled an ambitious nationwide rabies vaccination campaign targeting dogs and cats. Scheduled to run from Friday, November 7, to Sunday, November 9, the initiative is a critical step toward the country’s goal of eradicating dog-transmitted rabies by 2030. Rabies, a fatal viral disease affecting both animals and humans, is preventable through vaccination, and the MSP is offering free, safe vaccines across all provinces. Teams will visit neighborhoods, and fixed vaccination posts will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The campaign’s official launch will occur at Plaza de la Cultura on Friday at 9:00 a.m., with vaccinations available until 2:30 p.m. Coordinated by the Center for Prevention and Control of Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases (Cecovez), the effort will distribute over one million vaccine doses nationwide. The MSP has urged citizens to participate, emphasizing that vaccinating pets is an act of love, responsibility, and family protection. Detailed vaccination site information is available on the Ministry’s official social media channels.
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Thompson raises concern over ongoing bed shortage at Rand Memorial Hospital
A pressing healthcare crisis has emerged at Rand Memorial Hospital in East Grand Bahama, as MP Kwasi Thompson raised urgent concerns over severe bed shortages and prolonged delays in patient admissions. Thompson, alerted by a constituent, revealed that a family member had been stranded in the hospital’s accident and emergency (A&E) department for days, awaiting transfer to a proper ward. Describing the situation as “unacceptable,” Thompson highlighted overcrowding, inadequate bathroom facilities, and restricted visitation as critical issues. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville acknowledged the problem, labeling it as “cyclic” and apologizing to affected families. He explained that the A&E department often experiences periods of extreme overcrowding, exacerbated by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases. To address the crisis, the government has introduced virtual wards for patients requiring monitoring and is planning to construct two new hospitals. Prime Minister Philip Davis announced plans to seek parliamentary approval for a $230 million loan from the Chinese government to fund the new healthcare facilities, aiming to alleviate the strain on the current system.
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Israeli medical team arrives Thursday for post-hurricane humanitarian mission
A 40-member medical delegation from Israel is set to arrive in Jamaica on Thursday to support humanitarian relief efforts following the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Melissa on parts of the island. This initiative, a collaborative effort between Israel’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was organized at the request of Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness. The mission seeks to bolster Jamaica’s national response by delivering specialized medical expertise and technical aid to the hardest-hit regions. Dr. Joseph Mendlovic, deputy director-general of Israel’s Ministry of Health, and Professor Ofer Marin, a globally renowned expert in disaster medicine and humanitarian field operations, will lead the delegation. According to Israel’s ambassador to Jamaica, Raslan Abu Rukun, the team will divide into two groups upon arrival, deploying to two hospitals in the affected areas. The delegation includes doctors, nurses, and paramedical professionals specializing in emergency medicine, paediatrics, women’s health, public health, and other critical fields. The team is expected to remain in Jamaica for two weeks, providing essential medical support to those impacted by the hurricane.
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Field hospital for Falmouth, two sites being assessed in Westmoreland
Jamaica is rapidly expanding its network of field hospitals to address healthcare challenges, with a new facility set to open in Falmouth, Trelawny, in the coming days. Health Minister Christopher Tufton announced the development during a press briefing on Thursday, highlighting the collaborative efforts with international partners. The Falmouth field hospital, equipped with comprehensive services including emergency care, surgery, paediatrics, and radiology, is expected to alleviate pressure on local healthcare facilities and extend support to neighboring regions such as St James. Tufton emphasized the contributions of Spain and the European Union, whose medical teams and resources have been instrumental in the initiative. Additionally, the government is planning a third field hospital at Cornwall Regional in St James, in partnership with Barbados. Meanwhile, the Savanna-la-Mar hospital continues to provide emergency services with support from a non-governmental organization, and discussions are underway to establish a standalone field hospital in the White House and Belmont area, which was severely affected by recent crises. Over 50 patients have already received treatment at the existing field hospital in Black River. To manage the influx of donations, the government has sought assistance from the United Nations to ensure efficient aid distribution.
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Some health centres in St Elizabeth reopened
In a significant development for healthcare accessibility in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) has announced the reopening of several health centers across the parish. These facilities, which include Santa Cruz, Balaclava, Pepper, Myersville, Junction, Bellevue, Southfield, Portsea, Newell, Gingerhill, Lacovia, and Malvern, are now operational to provide essential primary care services to local residents. The centers will be open from Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and on Fridays from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. The SRHA is urging residents to utilize these services by visiting their nearest health center for scheduled appointments or general healthcare needs. This move aims to enhance healthcare delivery and ensure the well-being of the community.