Health
Island Donors Squad collects over two dozen pints of blood
A total of 27 pints of blood were collected during the blood drive organized by the Island Donors Squad (IDS) on October 5th. The drive occurred at the Ambergris Hope Hospital and involved IDS volunteers, including Washington University of Health and Science (WUHS) students. The volunteers also checked health vitals and conducted a dollar drive.
Government
National Health Insurance program officially rolls out in Caye Caulker
The National Health Insurance (NHI) program now covers residents in all of Belize Rural South, which includes San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker. The government program reached the Caye Caulker community on Friday, September 27th. A private clinic and a pharmacy signed contracts with the NHI to provide access to primary healthcare services and medication at a significantly reduced cost. The two accredited institutions are Dr. D’s Clinic and Prescription Value Pharmacy. To join NHI, Hicaqueños can register at these institutions with their Social Security Card. If their cards have expired, island residents can still register using their Social Security number.
Health
Community Blood Drive records low turnout
The San Pedro community has always been known for its unity and support for worthy causes. This includes organizing blood drives to assist those in need during emergencies. The recent blood drive, held by the San Pedro Community Blood Drive Group at the San Pedro Resource Center on Saturday, September 14th, recorded a low turnout. Despite the aim to welcome as many donors as possible, only five pints of blood were collected, highlighting the urgent need for more community participation.
Health
Understanding Suicide in Belize: Insights on Suicide Prevention Day
September 10th marks Suicide Prevention Day, a global initiative to highlight the urgent need for mental health awareness and support. In Belize, where community ties are strong and cultural values deeply rooted, the issue of suicide remains complex and often misunderstood. As the nation reflects on this significant day, it’s crucial to address how suicide is perceived locally, its impact on communities, and the available resources for mental health support.
Health
Ministry of Health & Wellness Launches 2024 Community Health Workers Manual
The Ministry of Health & Wellness, with support from UNICEF Belize, has taken a significant step to strengthen Belize’s primary health care system. At the Old Belize Conference Room, officials gathered to launch the Community Health Worker’s (CHW) Manual and Job Aide tool.
Health
Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit receives upgrade
The Accident and Emergency Unit at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City has been upgraded, marking a significant milestone in healthcare. The Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, in a powerful display of collaboration, prioritized the enhancement of the most frequently utilized area within the unit. This joint effort aims to improve the quality of care provided to the diverse patients they attend daily, underscoring the importance of unity in the pursuit of better healthcare.
Government
Government Explains Acquisition of Land for New Hospital in Belmopan
In April 2023, Cabinet approved the construction of a modern national referral tertiary care hospital that would also serve as a university hospital for the University of Belize, which would be funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by way of a US$45m loan through the Saudi Arabia Fund for Development. This proposed hospital was approved by the House of Representatives on 19th May 2023, and signed into law in June of 2023. On 16th April 2024 Cabinet gave its approval for the relocation of the proposed Belmopan Tertiary Hospital, to a more accessible location near the George Price and Hummingbird Highways.
Health
San Pedro residents continue to benefit from mobile health clinics
Promoting healthy lifestyles in San Pedro Town has been an ongoing project for the current administration. On Friday, August 9th, Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez and partners organized another Mobile Health Clinic. Held at Central Park in the downtown area, the initiative is a collaboration between Perez’s office, the San Pedro Town Council, PAHO Belize, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and the San Pedro Lions Club. Throughout the day, island residents benefited from health services, wellness screenings, evaluations, and free consultations with medical professionals from the island and the mainland.
