The Government expanded its focus on wellness as part of a strategic effort to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and ensure the physical, mental and social well-being of Jamaicans. Priority is being given to preventive health care through enhanced health promotion and education.
Adding Wellness to the Ministry’s Portfolio
• The name of the Ministry was changed to Ministry of Health and Wellness to reflect the new, strategic direction for public health in Jamaica.
• A Green Paper on a National Health Insurance Plan for Jamaica was tabled to provide appropriate levels of access, coverage and financial protection to the population.
• The $50 million Research for Wellness Fund was launched to provide research funding for the conduct of studies in five areas: Wellness in the workplace; Wellness in Schools; Wellness in homes; Wellness in communities; and Wellness among persons with NCDs and risk factors.
Mental Health
• More than 30 professionals were trained to boost mental health response.
• National public education campaign launched to reduce mental health stigma.
• 14 buses deployed island wide to bolster mental health interventions.
Combating NCDs
• Restrictions on sugary drinks in schools and health facilities took effect January 1.
• A Physical Activity Guide for persons with disabilities launched in collabo-ration with the Combined Disabilities Foundation.
Enhancing Healthcare Service Delivery
• The Enhancing Healthcare Service Delivery project was launched to reduce wait time for surgeries and diagnostic tests and address the bed space shortage within public hospitals.
• Framework agreements were signed with 10 radiology diagnostic service providers through which thousands of Jamaicans will receive free services.
• Reduction in waiting times at DrugServe pharmacies.
Support for Infants and Mothers
• The Port Antonio Hospital in Portland, Lionel Town Hospital in Clarendon and Port Maria Hospital in St. Mary were certified as ‘Baby-Friendly’, based on the standards stipulated by the World Health Organization.
• The National Infant and Young Child Feeding Network, an island-wide co-ordinated approach to providing support and care to mothers and children, was officially launched.
