KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Health and Wellness has set a target of 8,000 Jamaicans to benefit this year from its Second Chance Smiles programme at a cost of $60 million.

This is in addition to the 2,000 Jamaicans who were fitted with dentures under the programme last year.

The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton provided the update on Tuesday during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

“This programme has been overwhelmingly received, giving confidence to those who lose a tooth or teeth, improving their general health through proper digestion and making them more able to be integrated in the world of work,” said Tufton.

He pointed to a screen showing a video of 14-year-old Amelya, a student of Greater Portmore High School and Coreen Smith Williams, a 56-year-old self-employed resident of Cockburn Gardens in Kingston 11,  who are beneficiaries of the programme.

“Their replacement dentures have given them confidence and a healthier approach to life. This journey must continue with the expansion of this programme,” Tufton said.

Meanwhile, the health and wellness minister told the House that a total of 58 Jamaicans benefited from the New Limb New Life programme, which fits prosthetics, at a cost of $24 million.

Tufton said another 60 individuals are being targeted for prosthetics this year at a cost of $50 million.

“We will also be extending the programme for greater communication around diabetes, the causes, and how to control and prevent this debilitating illness,” he said, while noting that the majority of people who lost a limb had diabetes.

Pointing to the screen he said: “a Jamaican who gets a leg also gets a second chance to work and play and have a more contented life. Like maintenance technician, Alphanso Lee from Arnett Gardens, who had a right above-knee amputation due to gunshot wound/trauma. Another beneficiary, Ladiecia Allen, a self-employed resident, who has a right below-knee amputation due to diabetes”.