The Ministry of Health is currently reassessing the medications provided under the Chronic Disease Assistance Programme (CDAP), according to Dr. Rishad Seecheran, Minister in the Ministry of Health. This announcement came in response to a query from Independent Senator Dr. Desiree Murray during a Senate session on October 29. Dr. Seecheran highlighted that the CDAP drug list was recently updated on October 1, now including treatments for glaucoma such as Timolol Maleate 0.5 percent, Pilocarpine two percent, and Pilocarpine four percent. The CDAP technical committee, established by Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe on June 5, is tasked with ensuring the medications are both cost-effective and aligned with clinical guidelines. The committee employs a methodology based on World Health Organisation (WHO) standards and National Disease Burden Profiles to review all identified disease states. Dr. Seecheran also mentioned that future consultations with the Ophthalmological Society are planned to further modernize the drug list while considering cost-effectiveness. In the same session, Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste assured that the government is committed to improving job accessibility for people with disabilities, stating that all positions are open to them.
分类： health
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Flow raises breast cancer awareness, helps victims
Flow Trinidad has demonstrated its commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness Month through two impactful initiatives: donating care packages to the TT Palliative Care Society and participating in the annual Scotiabank Women Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk. These efforts aim to support breast cancer patients, educate the public, and emphasize the critical importance of early detection. The company’s team members contributed hundreds of care packages filled with essential items such as skincare products, personal care supplies, and medical consumables for patients at the Caura Palliative Care Unit. Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager of Flow Trinidad, highlighted the company’s dedication to community support, stating, ‘We believe in supporting our community not just with words, but with action. By providing care packages and participating in the 5K, we hope to uplift those battling breast cancer and help raise awareness to encourage early screening that can save lives.’ On October 25, over 100 Flow employees joined thousands of participants, including survivors and advocates, in the Scotiabank Women Against Breast Cancer 5K. Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed globally every October, focuses on promoting screenings and reducing the disease’s risk, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. Flow Trinidad expressed pride in contributing to this vital cause and reaffirmed its commitment to making a meaningful difference annually.
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#MelissaAftermath: JMDA, MAJ issue urgent appeal for volunteer doctors at Black River Hospital
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association (JMDA) and the Medical Association of Jamaica (MAJ), in partnership with the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), have issued an urgent appeal for volunteer medical personnel to support the overwhelmed Black River Hospital in St Elizabeth. The hospital has been grappling with severe challenges since the hurricane struck, leaving its staff exhausted and roads impassable.
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Farmers Urged to Strengthen Biosecurity as Antigua & Barbuda Steps Up Fight Against African Swine Fever
In a decisive move to curb the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), authorities in Antigua & Barbuda have issued a stern call to farmers to bolster biosecurity measures. The highly contagious viral disease, which poses a significant threat to pig populations, has prompted the government to implement stringent protocols to safeguard the nation’s livestock industry. Farmers are being advised to enhance sanitation practices, restrict farm access, and report any signs of illness in their herds immediately. The government has also ramped up surveillance and public awareness campaigns to ensure early detection and containment of the disease. This proactive approach underscores the country’s commitment to protecting its agricultural sector and preventing economic losses associated with ASF outbreaks.
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Certification of nurses in Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives
Grenada has taken a significant step forward in enhancing reproductive health services by certifying 10 district nurses in Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs). This initiative, spearheaded by the Grenada Planned Parenthood Association (GPPA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Religious Affairs, aims to provide women with extended contraceptive coverage of up to 10 years at the community level. The certification programme, funded by Global Affairs Canada through the Build Back Equal Project and administered by the UNFPA Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean, adheres to the protocols established by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). Key contributors to the programme’s design include Consultant Dr Mark Hathaway and Rudolfo Gomez Ponce de Leon, with facilitation by Dr N’Kosha Fletcher and Nurse Lynthia Buckmire. To achieve certification, nurses completed a rigorous training programme, including practical sessions on the insertion of IUDs and Jadelle implants, as well as PAHO online courses. Since its implementation, 227 women have directly benefited from the initiative, and four additional healthcare providers are currently undergoing training, further expanding the team of experts available to serve the community.
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Pan American Health Organization Strategic Reserve in Panama sends aid to those affected by Hurricane Melissa in Cuba
In a significant humanitarian effort, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has dispatched a 2.6-ton shipment of emergency supplies to regions devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The aid, sourced from PAHO’s Strategic Reserve in Panama, includes nine comprehensive emergency kits stocked with essential medicines, surgical supplies, basic medical equipment, and consumables. Additionally, the shipment contains 42,000 chlorine tablets, capable of purifying up to 8 million liters of water, ensuring access to safe drinking water for affected communities. This initiative is part of the Central Emergency Response Fund’s anticipatory action mechanism, designed to provide swift and targeted support in crisis situations. PAHO is collaborating closely with local authorities to assess ongoing needs and expand assistance efforts accordingly. The timely delivery of these critical supplies underscores the organization’s commitment to mitigating the health impacts of natural disasters and safeguarding vulnerable populations.
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Hurricane Melissa significantly damages four major Jamaican hospitals
Jamaica’s healthcare infrastructure has been dealt a severe blow following the devastating impact of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28. At least four major hospitals have sustained significant damage, as confirmed by Dr. Christopher Tufton, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness. The hurricane made landfall in New Hope, Westmoreland, around midday, unleashing its fury on critical facilities across the island. Among the affected institutions are Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover, Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth, Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James, and Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny. The Cornwall Regional Hospital, in particular, saw substantial damage to its nurses’ quarters, which had been repurposed for other uses. Dr. Tufton noted that relocation efforts are underway, though some are delayed due to ongoing rainfall. He emphasized the fluidity of the situation, stating, ‘A lot is happening, and it’s unfolding as we speak, so it’s hard to give specifics.’ The Ministry of Health and Wellness has activated emergency protocols, with Black River Hospital experiencing severe disruptions to its services. Patients were preemptively relocated as a precautionary measure. The Ministry is collaborating with the Southern Regional Health Authority and parish emergency services to stabilize operations. Despite the challenges, healthcare workers are reportedly working tirelessly to ensure patient care and safety. Social media images reveal extensive damage, including a roof torn off at Savanna-la-Mar Hospital in Westmoreland, further underscoring the hurricane’s destructive force.
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#MelissaAftermath: Some health centres reopen; hospitals in emergency mode
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) has announced the reopening of numerous health centers across Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine, and St. Thomas as of Thursday. This marks a significant step in restoring healthcare services following recent disruptions. In Kingston and St. Andrew, facilities such as Alpha Dental, Bull Bay Health Centre, and the Community Health & Psychiatry at the University of the West Indies are now operational. Similarly, in St. Catherine, centers like Barton’s Health Centre, Bridgeport Dental Clinic, and Greater Portmore Health Centre have resumed services. St. Thomas residents can now access care at Morant Bay Health Centre, Llandewey Health Centre, and others. All centers are open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Additionally, SERHA confirmed that full services are being offered at five major hospitals, including the Kingston Public Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital. However, other hospitals remain in emergency mode, focusing solely on critical and life-saving care.
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Health Ministry Continues Prescription Glasses Distribution This Week
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs has announced the continuation of its prescription glasses distribution program. The initiative, which began earlier this week, will run from Wednesday, October 29, to Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Ministry of Health Headquarters on High Street, St. John’s. Distribution hours are scheduled as follows: October 29 and 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and October 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This follows the successful distribution of over 200 pairs of glasses in the initial phase, with a total of more than 500 pairs expected to be distributed by the program’s conclusion. The Ministry encourages all individuals who were prescribed glasses during the Health Fair held in June 2025 at the Multi-Purpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre to collect their eyewear during the specified hours. Recipients are reminded to bring a valid form of identification. This initiative underscores the Ministry’s commitment to promoting equitable access to healthcare and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens through vision care and outreach programs.
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Pharmacy at St Philip Polyclinic to close October 31 to November 5
The pharmacy at the St Philip Polyclinic will be temporarily shut down from Friday, October 31, 2025, through Wednesday, November 5, 2025, to allow for essential renovation works. The Ministry of Health and Wellness has announced that normal pharmacy operations are scheduled to resume on Thursday, November 6, 2025. During this period, patients who typically utilize the St Philip Polyclinic Pharmacy for prescription refills or other pharmaceutical services are advised to visit any other polyclinic pharmacy or out-patient clinic pharmacy. To ensure seamless service, patients should carry their identification cards and empty medication containers. The Ministry expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and extended gratitude to the public for their patience and understanding as they work to enhance the facility for improved service delivery.