In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which disrupted critical services across western Jamaica, the National Health Fund (NHF) has responded with a rapid rollout of mobile pharmacy units, strategically deployed to stabilize healthcare delivery in hard-hit areas.
The NHF’s mobile operations are now actively serving Black River, Cambridge, and Negril — three of the most disrupted regions — bringing essential medication access directly to residents who may still be facing mobility and infrastructure challenges. Simultaneously, static distribution continues through the Albert Town Health Centre in Trelawny, ensuring an anchored presence amidst ongoing recovery efforts.
While electricity outages and spotty internet connections are slowing service in some parts, NHF confirmed that nearly all permanent Drug Serv locations are open and functioning. In St James, residents can access services at both the Montego Bay Type 5 Health Centre and Cornwall Regional Hospital. Westmoreland’s Savanna-la-Mar Public Hospital and Hanover’s Noel Holmes Hospital have also resumed full dispensing operations.
St Elizabeth’s network is operational through Santa Cruz, Junction, and Malvern health centres. Pharmacies in St Ann, St Mary, Clarendon, and Manchester remain open as well. Kingston and St Andrew are fully online, save for the Gordon Town Health Centre, which is temporarily offline due to storm-related challenges.
The NHF credited healthcare workers for their continued commitment in adverse conditions and confirmed that mobile pharmacy services will remain in place in the most vulnerable zones until further notice — a measure that highlights the agency’s adaptive infrastructure in times of national disruption.
