By Leslie McLean, Gleaner Writer CLAREMONT, St. Ann:
MANY ST. ANN food establishments run the risk of closure next year, when the Health Department decides it will take action against those not certified.
This information was presented by Dr. Patrick Wheatle, a Medical Officer of Health, at the monthly meeting of the St. Ann Parish Council on Thursday, December 11.
Dr. Wheatle warned operators of food establishments that a drive would take place next year, which may result in a lot of closures in communities represented by councillors.
He urged the operators to apply to the Health Department for certification or action would be taken, while imploring councillors to "go into the community and tell them not to do business if certification has not taken place."
He noted that there were 24 public health inspectors operating in the largest parish and implored councillors "not to cry when you hear that places are being closed. Sensitisation is key. Councillors, go out and sensitise the people before, then the move will be seen as a positive one."
Touching on HIV, he called for reduction in stigma and discrimination.
To deal with the problem of discrimination, individuals can now be tested at the Health Department, with results available within a week, he said.
BIG WORK
Dealing with vector control, the Medical Officer of Health pointed out that the Health Department had little money, but had a big work plan for January.
He said the budget was some $200,000 and the Ministry of Health was trying but he did not believe the money was coming, while appealing to the Parish Council, the body which "had helped us before."
Dr. Wheatle reported that over the past two weeks there were over 160 cases of gastro-enteritis. Replying to councillor Winston Lawrence of the Sturge Town division as to how many persons had died from gastro-enteritis in the parish, Dr. Wheatle said "there has been one death."
