Carib Scope

分类： health

  • Renovation works intensifying at Noel Holmes Hospital after Melissa damage

    Renovation works intensifying at Noel Holmes Hospital after Melissa damage

    HANOVER, Jamaica — With approximately one month remaining until project completion, renovation efforts at Hanover’s Noel Holmes Hospital are advancing in a meticulously controlled manner, successfully avoiding patient overcrowding issues that have plagued other medical facilities. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton confirmed the positive progress following his comprehensive inspection tour this past Saturday.

    Minister Tufton, engaging with press representatives after evaluating the institution, emphasized the hospital’s exceptional operational management. “Among the facilities I’ve recently assessed, this one demonstrates remarkable control with no signs of patient overcrowding, as consistently reported by both clinical and administrative leadership,” Tufton stated.

    The ministerial visit formed part of a broader evaluation initiative covering six medical institutions impacted by previous catastrophic weather events, including Mandeville Regional Hospital, Black River Hospital, Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital, Cornwall Regional Hospital, and Falmouth Public General Hospital. The 60-bed Noel Holmes Hospital presents a stark contrast to Savanna-la-Mar Hospital, which, despite its original 218-bed capacity, currently accommodates 298 patients between its primary structure and temporary field hospital.

    Critical emergency services at Noel Holmes remain fully functional, with Tufton noting that the Accident and Emergency department maintains comfortable operations, managing approximately 40 patient cases daily. This efficiency is bolstered by collaborative support from a Spanish-based non-governmental organization, which has established an emergency field unit complete with operational theater capabilities and supplementary bed capacity.

    Renovation activities are concurrently advancing across multiple hospital sectors, including comprehensive upgrades to nursing quarters, dietary service facilities, and maternity ward infrastructure. Construction teams have successfully executed roof removal and structural reinforcement procedures, with concrete slab installation scheduled for imminent implementation.

    Additionally, Minister Tufton provided progress updates regarding the nearby Lucea Health Centre, where roofing replacement has been finalized. Healthcare staff are anticipated to resume primary care services within the facility during the upcoming week, despite minor outstanding roofing requirements in limited sections.

    — Anthony Lewis

  • Two new medicinal cannabis centres could open this year, says licensing chief

    Two new medicinal cannabis centres could open this year, says licensing chief

    Barbados’ regulated medicinal cannabis sector is poised for significant expansion in 2026, with two new facilities advancing toward operational status, according to official statements from the island’s regulatory authority. Shanika Roberts-Odle, Acting CEO of the Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Authority (BMCLA), confirmed the developments during a public open day event at Island Naturals Medical Centre in Sheraton Mall, marking the organization’s fifth anniversary.

    The forthcoming facilities will operate within the pharmacy and therapeutic categories, providing supervised medical access to cannabis products under Barbados’ strict regulatory framework. This expansion follows the successful launch of two businesses in 2025, demonstrating what Roberts-Odle characterized as ‘tangible progress’ in an industry that requires long-term development strategies.

    Currently, the BMCLA has issued approximately 12 licenses spanning the entire value chain, including cultivation, manufacturing, retail, transportation, security, and research—with one license held by The University of the West Indies. While some licensees are already operational, others continue navigating substantial business, financial, and logistical challenges.

    Roberts-Odle identified international banking restrictions as the most significant obstacle facing the industry, directly linking these constraints to the continued federal prohibition of cannabis in the United States. ‘We do not exist in isolation,’ she emphasized. ‘Because the U.S. maintains federal prohibition, our local banks—which all maintain U.S. correspondent relationships—are reluctant to engage with cannabis businesses.’

    Despite these hurdles, the acting CEO urged collaboration and persistence, noting the industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience. She advised prospective entrepreneurs to ‘work together as a group of individuals’ and emphasized the BMCLA’s willingness to facilitate problem-solving dialogues.

    The open day event formed part of a broader public education initiative addressing decades of stigma associated with cannabis use. Roberts-Odle stressed that changing public perceptions requires sustained exposure and open discussion, contrasting regulated medical facilities with illicit market operations.

    At the Sheraton Mall facility, patients can access diverse medicinal products including locally cultivated cannabis flowers, creams, oils, tinctures, and vaporizer products—some imported from international sources. This differs from the Island Therapeutics facility in Worthing, which focuses primarily on Barbados-grown flowers and pharmacist-compounded products.

    Roberts-Odle clarified that the authority does not interfere with doctor-patient relationships or restrict conditions eligible for cannabis treatment, trusting Barbadian medical professionals to make appropriate decisions. Common applications include cancer-related pain and nausea, multiple sclerosis symptoms, arthritis, endometrial pain, and sleep disorders—though she emphasized that ‘cannabis is not snake oil’ but rather ‘another tool in the toolbox’ that may not be suitable for everyone.

    Regarding regulatory compliance, Roberts-Odle explained that legal access requires a prescription from registered medical practitioners, either private doctors or on-site physicians at approved facilities. She specifically addressed misconceptions about membership cards, noting that prescription labels—not cards—provide legal protection. While some patients have been stopped by authorities, she reported that issues were promptly resolved upon presentation of proper documentation.

    The regulatory framework explicitly prohibits smoking medicinal cannabis, permitting only vaping, oils, creams, and tinctures as approved consumption methods.

  • Zeven nieuwe gezondheidsassistenten versterken zorg Medische Zending

    Zeven nieuwe gezondheidsassistenten versterken zorg Medische Zending

    PARAMARIBO – In a significant boost to rural healthcare infrastructure, seven Healthcare Assistants (GZA) from Medical Mission Primary Health Care Suriname have successfully completed their accredited training program and are now prepared for deployment to the nation’s interior regions. The graduates received their official certification during a ceremony held on Thursday.

    The comprehensive GZA training program holds dual accreditation, being formally recognized by the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture while also meeting the legal standards established by the Ministry of Health. Following their official swearing-in ceremony, these newly qualified healthcare professionals will be immediately assigned to serve within Medical Mission’s operational coverage areas.

    Health Minister André Misiekaba emphasized the critical importance of well-trained medical personnel for strengthening primary healthcare services, particularly in remote and underserved regions. “These healthcare assistants will serve as the first point of contact for medical assistance in village communities, providing accessible and essential healthcare services to residents,” Minister Misiekaba stated during the certification event.

    The training journey presented considerable challenges, including significant disruptions and delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, all seven participants demonstrated remarkable perseverance and successfully completed the rigorous program.

    Herman Jintie, Director of Medical Mission, highlighted the indispensable role these healthcare assistants play within the primary healthcare framework of Suriname’s interior. “GZAs form an irreplaceable component of our healthcare delivery system in remote areas,” Jintie affirmed. The organization additionally expressed gratitude to the Spring Health Foundation for their substantial support throughout the training initiative.

  • Efforts underway to cut mother-to-child transmission of syphilis, HIV

    Efforts underway to cut mother-to-child transmission of syphilis, HIV

    Barbados is confronting a significant public health emergency as health authorities report a concerning surge in syphilis infections nationwide. The Ministry of Health has issued urgent advisories, calling for sexually active individuals to undergo immediate testing. While specific case numbers remain undisclosed, officials confirm an upward trend that demands proactive public engagement.

    Syphilis, a bacterial infection transmitted through sexual contact, presents a unique public health challenge due to its frequently asymptomatic nature in early stages. The ministry emphasized that many carriers remain unaware of their infection as initial symptoms can be mild or absent entirely, allowing silent transmission to continue unchecked.

    The infection’s progression poses severe health risks if left untreated. After initial presentation as painless sores on genitals, anus, or mouth, the disease can manifest as skin rashes—particularly on palms and soles—accompanied by swollen glands, fever, fatigue, and body aches that are often misdiagnosed as other conditions. Crucially, even when visible symptoms disappear, the infection persists and can cause irreversible damage to brain, heart, and other organs over years.

    Most alarmingly, syphilis presents grave dangers during pregnancy. Untreated infections can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital syphilis in newborns, resulting in severe lifelong complications. Health authorities stress that these outcomes are entirely preventable through early prenatal testing and prompt antibiotic treatment.

    The ministry recommends consistent condom use as primary prevention and urges testing for all sexually active individuals, particularly those with new or multiple partners. Those testing positive are encouraged to begin immediate treatment and notify recent sexual partners to facilitate contact tracing and prevent further spread.

    This health alert emerges as Barbados pursues World Health Organization certification for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B. A recent Pan American Health Organization assessment recognized Barbados’ strong maternal health systems while identifying areas for improvement. Achieving certification would place Barbados among eleven Caribbean nations already recognized for preventing vertical transmission of these infections, following Cuba’s pioneering success in eliminating both HIV and syphilis transmission to newborns.

    The health ministry is concurrently working to expand testing accessibility, ensure treatment availability, and reduce societal stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections to encourage more people to seek care without hesitation.

  • Upgrades Coming to Orange Walk and PG Hospitals… After 1 Year?

    Upgrades Coming to Orange Walk and PG Hospitals… After 1 Year?

    The Government of Belize has initiated a comprehensive twelve-month feasibility study to develop modernization plans for two key healthcare facilities: Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk Town and Punta Gorda Community Hospital in Toledo District. Funded by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), this assessment will critically evaluate existing medical services, infrastructure capabilities, and identify critical gaps in healthcare delivery.

    BIAS Architects and VIELCA Ingenieros have been awarded the consultancy contract to conduct the detailed analysis and design work. Their initial site assessment occurred from January 21-23, 2026, featuring high-level meetings with Health Minister Kevin Bernard, Orange Walk Mayor Ladrick Sheppard, Minister Oscar Requena, Minister Osmond Martinez, and Punta Gorda Mayor Carlos Galvez.

    The consulting team engaged directly with hospital administrators and technical staff to gain firsthand understanding of operational challenges and infrastructure limitations. This collaborative approach ensures that frontline healthcare providers contribute to the planning process.

    Following the study’s completion, the findings will serve as the blueprint for subsequent renovation and construction phases. The ultimate objective is to enhance patient care standards and address the evolving healthcare needs of Belize’s growing northern and southern communities. Physical construction work will commence only after the thorough assessment concludes.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Saturday January 24th 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Saturday January 24th 2026

    The global dietary supplement industry, valued at over $50 billion, operates in a regulatory gray zone that continues to challenge consumers and health professionals alike. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs that require rigorous FDA approval for safety and efficacy, supplements enter the market under the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which places the burden of proof on regulators rather than manufacturers.

    This regulatory framework means supplements can be marketed without pre-market approval, provided they don’t claim to treat specific diseases. The industry has exploded with products ranging from vitamins and minerals to botanicals, amino acids, and proprietary blends, often marketed with structure/function claims that promise general wellness benefits rather than medical outcomes.

    Recent developments have highlighted growing concerns about product safety, ingredient transparency, and misleading marketing practices. The FDA maintains oversight through post-market surveillance, but can only take action against products proven to be unsafe or misbranded after they reach consumers. This reactive approach has led to calls for stricter manufacturing standards and more transparent labeling requirements from medical associations and consumer advocacy groups.

    Experts emphasize that while some supplements demonstrate benefits for specific populations (such as folic acid for pregnant women or vitamin D for those with deficiencies), many products lack substantial clinical evidence. Consumers are advised to consult healthcare providers before beginning any supplement regimen, particularly when combining multiple products or taking them alongside prescription medications where dangerous interactions may occur.

    The digital marketplace has further complicated the landscape, with social media influencers and online retailers accelerating the distribution of products that may contain undisclosed ingredients or contaminants. International regulatory bodies are increasingly collaborating to address cross-border e-commerce challenges and harmonize safety standards in this rapidly evolving wellness sector.

  • Sav-la-Mar Hospital on the mend: reconstruction progresses amidst overcrowding, staffing woes

    Sav-la-Mar Hospital on the mend: reconstruction progresses amidst overcrowding, staffing woes

    SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland – Jamaican Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has publicly appealed for understanding from both staff and patients at the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital, a critical healthcare facility in the island’s western region. The institution continues to operate under extraordinary pressure as it undergoes a massive reconstruction project following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa last October.

    During an inspection tour on Friday, Minister Tufton acknowledged the severe operational challenges facing the hospital, including critical overcrowding, an overwhelming number of non-medical social cases, and significant staffing shortages. The facility, originally designed for 218 patients, is currently accommodating 298 individuals between its main building and a temporary field hospital.

    ‘We are experiencing severe overcrowding and patient overflow due to exceptionally high demand while construction is actively underway,’ Tufton stated. ‘Our medical teams are working tirelessly under difficult circumstances, and we ask for patience as we work toward restoring full operational capacity.’

    Reconstruction efforts are progressing on multiple fronts. The hurricane-damaged Accident and Emergency department, which suffered extensive roof damage and water intrusion, is undergoing urgent repairs with expectations for full operational restoration within one week. Meanwhile, a provisional A&E unit continues to serve patients at the hospital’s entrance.

    The Barbadian government-donated field hospital, currently operating at maximum capacity, has provided essential temporary relief but is scheduled for removal by month’s end. Concurrently, construction has commenced on the former COVID-19 ward and outpatient clinic, which was completely destroyed during the hurricane. Contractors are targeting March for completion of the new outpatient facility, which will initially feature a single floor with plans for additional ward space above.

    Minister Tufton identified several critical challenges beyond physical infrastructure. Twenty-nine social cases occupy over 10% of available beds, creating what the minister described as a ‘major systemic challenge’ for healthcare facilities throughout the parish. Additionally, the hospital faces a severe shortage of 36 physicians across various specializations, compounded by unmet nursing requirements despite ongoing recruitment initiatives.

    The minister emphasized that these extraordinary circumstances stem directly from Hurricane Melissa, an unprecedented Category 5 storm for the region. While acknowledging significant challenges, Tufton rejected characterizations of the situation as a crisis, stating, ‘We have challenges, and we have to work to overcome those challenges.’

    Future development plans include a completely new Accident and Emergency facility, with finalized cost estimates and anticipated construction beginning later this year or early in the next fiscal year.

  • February date for deployment of medical dome-ward at CRH

    February date for deployment of medical dome-ward at CRH

    The Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness has announced an innovative solution to address critical overcrowding at Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) in St. James. Through a collaborative effort between the ministry, the National Health Fund, and an international non-governmental organization, a temporary 100-bed dome facility will be installed adjacent to the hospital’s accident and emergency unit.

    Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton confirmed the dome is expected to arrive on the island by February 1st, with construction of its foundation beginning immediately. The installation process is projected for completion by the third week of February, significantly expanding the hospital’s ward capacity.

    The urgency for additional space follows recent staff protests highlighting severe overcrowding conditions exacerbated by structural damage from Hurricane Melissa. The hospital’s operations have been temporarily relocated to the Mount Salem Health Centre during ongoing renovations at the main CRH facility.

    Minister Tufton, during a site inspection tour, emphasized that contractors are actively working to rehabilitate affected ward spaces in the temporary A&E unit, with several wards expected to become operational within the coming week. While acknowledging the challenging circumstances, the minister appealed for public understanding as the ministry implements both immediate and long-term solutions to restore adequate bed capacity for patient care.

  • Portmore Islamic Centre donates over $40m in medical supplies to Hurricane Melissa relief

    Portmore Islamic Centre donates over $40m in medical supplies to Hurricane Melissa relief

    A substantial medical relief initiative valued at $40 million Jamaican dollars is set to enhance healthcare services across Jamaica through a collaborative effort between the Portmore Islamic Centre and US-based humanitarian organization Helping Hands. This significant donation arrives as part of the centre’s ongoing hurricane relief project, providing critical medical equipment to healthcare facilities nationwide.

    The comprehensive medical assistance package includes advanced ultrasound machines, infant warming systems, professional medical scrubs, specialized electric hospital beds, emergency crash carts, and CPAP respiratory devices. This equipment will directly benefit multiple healthcare institutions, including Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth and St. Ann’s Bay Hospital in St. Ann, alongside various community health centers throughout the island.

    Project Coordinator Kareema Muncey revealed that this initiative represents the latest development in an established philanthropic relationship. “Our collaboration with Helping Hands began with substantial grocery distribution efforts, through which we’ve already distributed over 700 relief boxes to communities,” Muncey explained. This previous outreach enabled volunteers to identify specific needs within western Jamaican communities and establish connections with local medical facilities.

    Shaheed Muhammad, detailing the procurement process, emphasized the global reach of their charitable partner: “Helping Hands operates international relief programs worldwide. We initiated contact following Hurricane Melissa’s impact on Jamaica, recognizing the urgent need for support. Their immediate positive response facilitated this significant donation.”

    The medical supplies, which arrived via container transport on Friday evening, prompted immediate mobilization efforts. Muhammad noted that distribution commenced rapidly, with many clinic representatives already collecting their allocations. Additional personalized deliveries were scheduled for the following day to ensure comprehensive coverage.

    This current medical donation follows a previous $25 million grocery relief program administered by the same organizations. Muhammad specifically highlighted the inclusive nature of their humanitarian mission: “This assistance transcends religious boundaries – it primarily serves non-Muslim communities. Our religious principles mandate that by alleviating others’ burdens, we ultimately ease our own. We consider this philanthropic work an essential duty rather than optional charity.”

  • Learning and Development Unit Opens 2026 with CME Sessions on Stroke Care and Cancer Detection

    Learning and Development Unit Opens 2026 with CME Sessions on Stroke Care and Cancer Detection

    Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare sector has embarked on an ambitious professional development initiative with the commencement of the Learning and Development Unit’s 2026 educational program. The inaugural sessions, conducted by renowned medical experts Dr. Paul Saphier and Dr. Nicole Saphier, addressed critical healthcare challenges through two comprehensive Continuing Medical Education (CME) modules.

    The first session delivered an in-depth analysis of acute stroke management, emphasizing time-sensitive intervention protocols. Participants examined the implementation of mechanical thrombectomy procedures and explored adaptive strategies for both well-resourced and resource-constrained medical environments. The discussion highlighted systemic preparedness and clinical decision-making processes that significantly influence patient outcomes.

    A subsequent presentation focused on breast cancer detection methodologies, reviewing current screening strategies, diagnostic pathways, and treatment outcomes. The facilitators presented population-specific data and trends relevant to Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare landscape, enabling participants to contextualize international best practices within local healthcare delivery frameworks.

    Program organizers emphasized the deliberate integration of evidence-based practice with equitable healthcare delivery principles. The sessions were specifically designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring that medical professionals can immediately implement learned techniques in clinical settings.

    Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, Medical Director of Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, endorsed the program’s approach, stating that continuous professional development remains fundamental to health system strengthening. The Learning and Development Unit characterized its methodology as ‘intentional learning’ – a focused educational strategy that prioritizes clinically relevant content while maintaining patient outcomes as the central objective.

    The Unit has committed to sustaining this practical, high-impact educational approach throughout 2026, with ongoing programs designed to enhance healthcare outcomes across the nation’s medical ecosystem.