By Sugar Ray Thomas

Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton has announced that the government will be expanding its cancer care treatment across the island over the next two years. 

This, following a technical meeting between Health Ministry officials and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Switzerland.

Out of those talks, Dr. Tufton said a technical team will be visiting the island in the coming months as the Government seeks to build out its cancer treatment infrastructure. 

As part of the visit the IAEA will be assessing the current linear accelerator (LINAC) facilities at the St.Joseph’s Hospital in Kingston and the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, St. James. 

This in a bid to create a road-map to upgrading these locations. 

Dr. Tufton disclosed that the government is also considering establishing a new LINAC facility to serve central Jamaica. 

In addition, he noted  that the technical team will support the ministry’s thrust to extend mammography services in more hospitals as well as at health centres across the island. 

Discussions with the IAEA took place as the ministry is participating in the 79th World Health Assembly which is being held in Geneva, Switzerland from Monday to Saturday.