In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, an emergency field hospital has been set up at Black River High School in St Elizabeth, Jamaica. This initiative, spearheaded by the evangelical Christian humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse International Relief, aims to bolster the local healthcare infrastructure during this critical time. The facility, staffed by over 60 professionals including members of the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), is designed to replicate the capabilities of the severely damaged Black River Hospital. Dr Kelly Sites, the Medical Director of the emergency field hospital, emphasized the self-sustaining nature of the unit, which is equipped with its own power generators and can handle a wide range of medical needs, from chronic conditions to emergency surgeries. The hospital features a triage department, emergency rooms, an intensive care unit, an operating room, an obstetrics facility, patient wards, a full laboratory, and a pharmacy. Additionally, family-practice physicians are available to manage chronic diseases such as hypertension, sickle cell anemia, and diabetes. The field hospital is also collaborating with local facilities and utilizing ground and air ambulance services to transport patients to Kingston when necessary. Beyond medical services, the Samaritan’s Purse team is providing non-food items, shelter, tarps, water, and sanitation assistance across the island. Dr Sites mentioned that the team plans to remain in Jamaica for at least a month, or longer if needed, to ensure continued support for the local community.
分类： health
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QEH ushers in new era with major technology upgrade
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Barbados has taken a monumental step towards modernizing its healthcare system with the arrival of its first shipment of advanced medical and IT equipment. This initiative, part of a €60 million (BDS$138 million) loan agreement between the Government of Barbados and the European Investment Bank (EIB), is being executed through the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The upgrade aims to revolutionize hospital operations by introducing a fully integrated health information system, enabling doctors to access digital medical records instantly.
Neil Clark, CEO of QEH, described this as the most significant transformation the public healthcare system has witnessed since its inception. The initial batch includes hundreds of new ICT and medical devices such as computers, tablets, and diagnostic monitors. While these may not appear glamorous, Clark emphasized their critical role in maintaining a modern hospital’s functionality. The digitization of patient data is expected to streamline services, enhance decision-making, and foster seamless connectivity across all departments, from Accident & Emergency to outpatient clinics.
Giuseppe Mancinelli, UNOPS Deputy Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, lauded the partnership, highlighting its contribution to strengthening healthcare delivery and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. He noted that this initiative goes beyond mere equipment delivery, promising improved management, infrastructure, and efficiency that will directly benefit patient care. A second batch of equipment, featuring advanced surgical tools, medical furniture, servers, and displays, is already slated for procurement in the coming months.
Wayne Marshall, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, confirmed that the new equipment, valued at approximately US$736,000, is just one facet of a broader transformation supported by the EIB loan. Clark also outlined ongoing projects under QEH’s 2025-2028 strategy, which prioritizes ‘people, partnerships, and innovation.’ These include the commissioning of a new linear accelerator to expand cancer treatment options, the procurement of an MRI scanner to reduce waiting times, and upgrades to the rehabilitation centre.
Looking ahead, Clark highlighted the upcoming $400 million Enmore Development, which will feature a comprehensive cancer centre, state-of-the-art laboratories, and expanded patient facilities. He described this as a ‘once-in-a-generation investment’ that will redefine the future of healthcare in Barbados. ‘This is partnership in action,’ Clark remarked. ‘With every milestone, we move closer to delivering healthcare that is faster, safer, and truly world-class.’
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Final countdown for St Jude’s Hospital
The long-awaited reconstruction of St Jude’s Hospital, a vital healthcare facility serving southern Saint Lucia, is finally approaching its conclusion. After years of extensive redevelopment, the project, spearheaded by the Rayneau Construction team, is now in its final stages. The hospital’s completion, initially delayed by seven weeks, is back on track, with final installation works underway. Rayneau Gajadhar, the lead contractor, confirmed that the project is 98.5% complete, emphasizing that there is always room for improvement. Gajadhar’s team will remain on-site for at least three months to ensure a smooth transition from the temporary facility at the George Odlum Stadium to the new hospital. Photographs shared by Gajadhar highlight the state-of-the-art kitchen, which he claims will surpass the standards of most hotels. This milestone marks a significant step forward in enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the region.
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Scrub Life Cares Presents Groundbreaking Menstrual Health Research at the 2025 American Public Health Association Conference
Scrub Life Cares, a nonprofit organization focused on menstrual equity and reproductive health education, is making waves at the 2025 American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. Founder and CEO Tanya Ambrose, MPH, is presenting groundbreaking research from Antigua and Barbuda, marking a significant milestone for the Caribbean nation in global public health discourse. Ambrose’s presentations include ‘Lived Experiences of Menstrual Health and Product Access in Antigua and Barbuda Among Women and Girls: A Qualitative Study’ and ‘Periods & Period Products: A Qualitative Research Report,’ both of which highlight the challenges and solutions surrounding menstrual health in the region. This research aims to influence national policy, foster collaboration with health and education ministries, and spark regional discussions on health tourism and gender-inclusive public health systems. Ambrose emphasized the importance of centering the lived experiences of women and girls, ensuring menstrual equity becomes a global priority. This appearance at APHA 2025 follows the organization’s 2023 debut, where its short film on period poverty was featured in the APHA Short Film Festival. Scrub Life Cares continues to advocate for evidence-based programming and community empowerment, with initiatives like the Grow With the Flo: Women & Girls Health Expo, which promotes menstrual health education and reproductive justice. The organization’s work has gained international recognition, bridging Caribbean community efforts with global public health dialogue. As Scrub Life Cares celebrates its 5th anniversary in November 2025, it remains committed to advancing health equity and empowerment for women and girls across the Caribbean.
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NHF deploys mobile pharmacies in western Jamaica as part of recovery efforts
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s National Health Fund (NHF) has introduced mobile pharmacy services to assist residents in three severely impacted parishes in the western region. The initiative, which began operations in Black River, Cambridge, and Negril, aims to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medications. Additionally, the NHF’s Drug Serv team is providing pharmaceutical services from the Albert Town Health Centre Pharmacy in Trelawny. While all main pharmacy locations remain operational, the agency cautioned that limited electricity and internet connectivity have resulted in extended wait times at certain sites. Operational pharmacies across multiple parishes, including St James, Westmoreland, Hanover, St Elizabeth, St Ann, St Mary, Clarendon, and Manchester, are listed as open. In Kingston and St Andrew, all Drug Serv pharmacies are functioning except for the Gordon Town Health Centre. The NHF praised healthcare workers for their unwavering commitment and confirmed that mobile services will persist in the most affected areas for the foreseeable future.
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Digicel Foundation hosts internal staff blood drive
In a commendable effort to address the critical need for blood donations, the Digicel Foundation collaborated with the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) Port of Spain General Hospital Blood Bank to organize an internal staff blood drive on October 28. Held at the Digicel TT head office, the initiative aimed to strengthen the nation’s blood bank reserves and promote a culture of volunteerism among employees.
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Benign prostatic hyperplasia: Breaking the silence on men’s health
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, affects nearly all men as they age, with incidence nearing 100% by the age of 90. Dr. Vimal Seetahal, a consultant urologist, is urging men to pay closer attention to this condition, which often goes undiagnosed due to cultural attitudes toward men’s health in the Caribbean. Symptoms include frequent urination, urgency, nocturia, and a weak urinary stream, which many dismiss as a normal part of aging. However, untreated BPH can worsen over time, leading to severe complications. Risk factors include age, genetics, and lifestyle choices such as obesity and diets high in red meat. Diagnosis involves ultrasounds, CT scans, and PSA blood tests. Treatment options range from medication to surgical procedures, including the innovative laser prostatectomy. Dr. Seetahal emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, exercising, and using natural remedies like saw palmetto, to manage early-stage BPH. He also highlights the need for early detection and a cultural shift in how men approach their health, advocating for routine PSA testing over invasive rectal examinations. Public education and family support are crucial in encouraging men to seek timely medical attention.
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COMMENTARY: Caribbean Gold: Anti-Aging from the Sea
The Caribbean is poised to transform an environmental challenge into a groundbreaking opportunity by harnessing the untapped potential of Sargassum seaweed. Known for its invasive presence on beaches, Sargassum is now gaining recognition as a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant applications in anti-aging and regenerative skincare. Compounds like terpenoids, fucoxanthin, and fucoidan, found in abundance in Sargassum, offer skin-brightening, elasticity-enhancing, and anti-wrinkle properties, making it a valuable resource for the booming global cosmeceutical market, projected to reach $88 billion by 2030. This innovation could not only clean up Caribbean beaches but also position the region as a leader in marine-based wellness and sustainability. The Dominican Republic has already begun exporting Sargassum to Finland for cosmetic and food industry applications, while Barbados, St. Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago are actively collecting the seaweed for similar purposes. However, challenges such as fragmented governance, limited R&D infrastructure, and brain drain of scientific talent hinder progress. To overcome these barriers, a regional innovation ecosystem is essential, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government. By investing in marine science capacity and youth programs, the Caribbean can create jobs, boost economic diversification, and establish itself as a hub for marine-based anti-aging innovation. Flagship products like ‘Ocean Renewal Serum’ and ‘Marine Radiance Cream’ could revolutionize the skincare industry, while eco-tourism initiatives like ‘Rejuvenate Naturally – The Caribbean’s First Anti-Aging Eco-Tourism Sanctuary’ could attract wellness travelers seeking sustainable longevity solutions. This transformative approach not only addresses the Sargassum influx but also builds a legacy of prosperity, wellness, and scientific excellence for the Caribbean.
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In observance of Dental Health Week 2025
In a powerful address marking Dental Health Week 2025, Dr. Festima Hamlet, Grenada’s Chief Dental Surgeon, highlighted the critical importance of oral health across all stages of life. Observed from November 2 to 8, this year’s theme, ‘Good teeth, good health at any age,’ serves as a poignant reminder that oral health is not confined to youth but is a lifelong commitment and opportunity for all. Dr. Hamlet emphasized the profound connection between oral health and overall well-being, echoing the words of former US Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher, who in 2000 declared that good health is unattainable without proper oral care. This sentiment underscores the necessity of oral hygiene as an essential, non-negotiable aspect of health. The World Health Organization’s 2023 report reveals that over 3.5 billion people worldwide suffer from oral diseases, with tooth loss being particularly prevalent among older adults. This can lead to severe consequences, including malnutrition, diminished self-esteem, and systemic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even Alzheimer’s. Dr. Hamlet called for collective action to bridge this gap through community outreach, education, and policy reform. She stressed the importance of supporting senior citizens in maintaining their oral health, describing their smiles as priceless gifts that embody love, laughter, and resilience. Caregivers and families were urged to view oral care for elders as an act of love and a vital component of healthy aging. By promoting preventative care, accessible dental services, and public education, Dr. Hamlet believes we can empower seniors to preserve their dignity, confidence, and overall well-being. She also emphasized the significance of daily habits like brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits in maintaining a healthy smile. Dr. Hamlet concluded her address by advocating for the protection of smiles that have enriched families and communities for generations, asserting that every smile safeguarded contributes to a healthier, happier, and more resilient society. On behalf of Grenada’s Ministry of Health, she extended her best wishes for a meaningful Dental Health Week.
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Eerste lichting verpleeghulpen klaar voor inzet in zorgsector
On Friday, 24 participants from the Foundation for Labor Mobilization and Development (SAO) received their certificates for completing Module 1 of the Nursing Assistant Training: Household Care. This milestone officially prepares them to support clients in care institutions and home care settings by creating clean and livable environments. The training, designed as the first step toward becoming a care assistant, targets early school leavers seeking to enter the healthcare sector without immediately pursuing a full nursing education. It focuses on foundational skills such as hygiene, safety, communication, and household support. The graduation ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Health, Welfare, and Labor (VWA) Raj Jadnanansing and SAO Director Joyce Lapar. Deputy Minister Jadnanansing praised the initiative, emphasizing the urgent need for well-trained support staff in Suriname’s healthcare sector. He highlighted the program as a valuable investment in local capacity, encouraging participants to continue with Module 2. SAO Director Lapar stressed the importance of placing clients at the center of care, emphasizing professionalism, ethics, and responsibility. The program’s focus on quality improvement aims to strengthen the healthcare sector and enhance employment opportunities for participants. This first cohort of certified nursing assistants marks a significant contribution to both employment and healthcare quality in Suriname.