Over 70 Jamaicans with physical impairments have benefited from the ‘New Limb, New Life’ programme between April and October 2024, Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has announced.

Speaking in the House of Representatives on 29 October, he noted that 71 individuals received support totalling J$32 million, which has enhanced their mobility and provided new opportunities. In total, 129 Jamaicans have accessed this initiative during the 2023/2024 financial year.

Launched last year, the programme aims to empower those with physical impairments to lead healthier and more productive lives.

Additionally, the Second Chance Smile programme has seen significant demand, with over 50,000 enquiries. He noted that of that number more than 18,000 require some level of pre-prosthetic care meaning some type of oral surgery is required before the impression can be taken and the dentures delivered. Of those, more than 18,000 individuals require pre-prosthetic care, leading to 400 people receiving dentures since the start of the financial year.

Jamaica/Cuba Eye Care Programme

Dr Tufton also reported on the Jamaica/Cuba Eye Care Programme, which has conducted 21,822 consultations since its resumption. “Of the scheduled 2,936 cases for operation, a total of 1,847 were completed – 1,192 cataracts and 655 Pterygium. Some 773 cases had to be rescheduled during the period. Mr Speaker, approximately 1,246 Diabetic Retinopathy laser treatments were completed – 852 at KPH and 394 at St. Joseph’s Hospital,” the Minister noted.

The partnership with Cuba continues to make a significant impact, with a total of 3,476 surgeries completed in one year across participating hospitals.

“The programme has also administered 383 Anterior segment laser treatments for patients post cataract surgery (308) and pre-surgery for glaucoma (75). Again, on behalf of a grateful nation, we thank the Government and people of Cuba for their work and partnership in this programme. Mr Speaker, with us 22 healthcare professionals – 17 Cubans and 5 Jamaicans, the programme in one year has been able to complete a total of 3,476 surgeries between KPH and St. Joseph’s Hospital,” Tufton shared.