For the third time this year, residents in Manchester got the opportunity to access free health and dental
services through a health and information fair held by Jamalco recently.
The health and information fair, which was jointly held at the Porus High School and Porus Community Clinic, catered to residents living in and around Jamalco’s mining operations in the Harmons, Broadleaf, Ramble and Porus communities of the parish.
Over 350 residents turned out to take advantage of the free blood pressure, HIV, pap smear
and prostate tests on offer. Residents also received vision screening from Courts Optical
and dental care courtesy of the Southern Regional Health Authority’s dental programme.
Several government and private agencies were also on hand to disseminate vital information
about their products and services in addition to food samples. Among the agencies present
were the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), GeoLand Agency Limited,
Manchester Municipal Corporation, HEART Trust/NTA, Manchester Health Department,
Jamaica Moves and the Jamalco Employee Assistant Programme (EAP). Members of the
Harmons Valley Community Council also used the event to showcase their range of natural
juices and desserts.
“You could tell that the health fair was well-needed as scores of residents have been asking
when the next one will be held. Apart from getting free medical checks, many have received
free reading glasses and it was a good day overall,” said community leader, Merna Jones.
Ms. Jones, who is a member of the Harmons Valley Community Council, lauded Jamalco
and the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) for their efforts in giving the residents
access to free medical services which was right on time for the back-to-school period.
The health and information fair was held in partnership with the Southern Regional Health
Authority and is aimed at providing vital medical and dental care to persons living in
communities adjacent to Jamalco’s operations. The fourth and final health fair will be held
at the Wembley Centre of Excellence in Hayes, Clarendon in October.