As part of ongoing recovery efforts following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, the Ministry of Health & Wellness has intensified its health outreach through the National Health Fund’s (NHF’s) Mobile Pharmacy Service, bringing essential medication directly to communities severely impacted.

The Mobile Pharmacy Service is designed to ensure continued access to vital medications and in particular those persons with chronic illnesses whose access to fixed health facilities may have been disrupted due to hurricane damage, flooding, or road blockages.

Since the passage of the hurricane, mobile pharmacy units have been deployed across several hard-hit parishes, including St. Elizabeth, St. James, Westmoreland, and Hanover. The service has already filled prescriptions in communities such as Black River, Spice Grove, and Brampton in St. Elizabeth, as well as Maroon Town in St. James and Negril and Little London in Westmoreland.

Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, emphasised that this initiative demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining health service continuity, even under the most challenging circumstances.

“The Mobile Pharmacy Service ensures that no patient is left behind. Many of our citizens depend on consistent access to medication for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. With the NHF’s support, we are taking the pharmacy to the people directly into their communities to guarantee they receive the care they need,” the Minister said.

The Mobile Pharmacy Service forms a part of the Ministry’s wider recovery plan to restore essential health services and reinforce the resilience of Jamaica’s health system. In addition to medication delivery, health teams working alongside the NHF are monitoring patient needs, offering guidance on chronic disease management, and ensuring continuity of care during the post-hurricane recovery phase.

Residents in affected parishes are encouraged to make use of the service and to follow public advisories regarding schedules and locations, which will be updated as access improves.

The Ministry continues to express gratitude to health professionals, partner agencies, and volunteers who remain on the ground serving communities across the island.