Health
San Pedro members of the Belize Coast Guard undergo first responder training
A group of eight members from the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) based in San Pedro Town recently underwent a two-day training to learn basic first aid and life support techniques from the Island Emergency Services (IES) crew. The training covered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid Kit, and an introduction to advanced knowledge of the duties expected from first responders and other medical skills. The training took place from February 11th to February 13th at the BCG base south of Ambergris Caye and was free of charge.
Health
Belize’s King Charles III diagnosed with cancer
Belize’s Head of State, His Majesty King Charles III, 75, has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, as per an official note released on Monday, February 5th. According to the royal note, released from Buckingham Place in London, England, the cancer was discovered during a recent treatment for an enlarged prostate the king was diagnosed with.
Health
MOHW Investigates Potential Case of Meningitis
The Ministry of Health & Wellness, through its surveillance system, was alerted to a potential case of meningitis in a six-year-old resident of Belize City. Preliminary laboratory results suggest that it is not bacterial meningitis, and that the child is currently in good health.
Government
National Health Insurance program coming to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez stated that the National Health Insurance (NHI) program will be implemented in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, this year. This program will offer island residents the opportunity to obtain medical services from healthcare providers working with NHI at a fraction of the price.
Health
Belize Mission Dental project back in San Pedro
A team of dental specialists and volunteers, mainly from the United States of America (USA), visited San Pedro Town to provide services to those needing them at no cost. The team of specialists, called the Belize Mission Project, visits every year, and this time, the group of dentists in San Pedro was joined by two islanders in the dentistry field.
Community and Society
Hundreds of expired goods removed from San Pedro stores
Before 2023 ended, the office of the Public Health Inspector in San Pedro Town indicated that several large stores and supermarkets were inspected following reports of expired goods on sale. The search led to removing many expired items that were condemned and destroyed.
Health
Tourism and Health: Belize takes steps to strengthen its response to pandemics
Three years ago, the tourism industry came to a halt when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the county. Belize’s Health Sector was put to the test, as relevant agencies worked round the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of the community and prevent mass fatalities. Fast forward to 2023, every day life for Belizeans has returned to normalcy, and the strict health regulation for the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be a distant memory. However, the tourism and health sectors were left wanting to learn from this pandemic to be better prepared for the next one.
Community and Society
Ambergris Hope Hospital almost complete; fully opening in February 2024
Residents of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye have for years been longing for a hospital. The population has grown exponentially and a larger and better equipped medical facility is now needed. While previous government administrations have pledged to construct the anticipated structure on the island, it was the current government that finally confirmed its construction in January of this year. A ground-breaking was to occur in the following months, but it has now been scheduled for early 2024. Meanwhile, Ambergris Hope Clinic, a private health center on Pescador Drive, is being transformed into a modern hospital set to fully open in February 2024.
