Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson says the DRS Centervue Automatic Retinal Imaging Camera will go a far way in assisting with screening and treatment and provide the necessary services in an effort to reduce the incidence and effects of diabetic retinopathy.  The Camera was officially handed over this morning by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) at a ceremony held at the Ministry’s head office on King Street, Kingston.

The camera was procured at a cost of a little over US$18,000.

“This is an important component of the move towards reducing the prevalence of non communicable diseases.  Non communicable diseases, as you know, are responsible for approximately 60 percent of deaths in Jamaica each year.  The risk factors – tobacco and alcohol use, lack of sufficient physical activity and poor dietary habits are rampant among our population,” he said.

Dr. Ferguson indicated that there should soon be legislation to ban smoking in public spaces and is appealing for the support of everyone to ensure an understanding of the intent of the legislation and a successful implementation.

“We made a commitment as a Region to put measures in place to reduce the prevalence of NCDs by 25 percent by 2025. I am standing by this commitment and I thank PAHO for supporting us in this drive,” the Minister said.

In the meantime, PAHO also handed over the publication “Pharmaceutical Situation in Jamaica: WHO Level II Assessment – Health Facilities Survey and Household Survey”. The assessment was undertaken from July 2009 to May 2010 and looked at access, affordability and availability of key pharmaceutical medicines among other issues.

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 Contact: MOH, Public Relations Unit Tel: 967-1561

You can view this press release and other information on our website at www.moh.gov.jm