SAGICOR Life Jamaica (SLJ), through its paramedic unit located at the SLJ Head Office, 24-48 Barbados Avenue, is now offering Pap smear services to insurance clients and prospective clients for insurance products.

During the official ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Tuesday, January 31, the company highlighted that the new service was created to help alleviate an overwhelming demand for the screening.

A Pap smear is a screening test that checks for abnormal cell changes of the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer.

Mark Chisholm, chief revenue officer and executive vice-president of Sagicor Life Jamaica, highlighted that the move was a welcome one in the fight against cancer.

“As industry leaders it is important that we continue to play our part in ensuring the total wellness of all Jamaicans. With this new Pap smear service our paramedic unit team is now able to provide a well-needed diagnostic service in cancer screening,” he expressed. Chisholm also commended the Jamaica Cancer Society for the work it has done over the years.

A lunch and learn session was also held on opening day for clients and team members to be educated on Pap smear myths and facts. Dr Nicole Urquhart, resident doctor, Paramedic Unit, SLJ, stressed the importance of women over 18 years of age who are sexually active making a Pap smear test priority every two years.

“Women should know that despite popular belief, Pap smear screening is not a painful procedure and remains a vital tool in detecting early cervical changes. SLJ continues to meet the needs of our clients, and with the addition of our Pap smear service they can now enjoy a one-stop facility that gives them ease and convenience,” shared Dr Urquhart.

In 2022 SLJ partnered with the Jamaica Cancer Society to offer free Pap smear screenings in recognition of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.