THE MEDICAL Association of Jamaica (MAJ) is the oldest professional organisation in Jamaica. The MAJ was originally formed in 1877 as the first overseas branch of the British Medical Association. After intense lobbying, the Medical Association was reconstituted on November 25, 1965 and is the umbrella organisation for all professional medical associations and societies i n Jamaica. The inaugural meeting of t he Medical Association of Jamaica was held on November 25, 1965. Dr Don Gore, in presenting his cheque for 10 Guineas, became the first member of the Medical Association of Jamaica. The other 17 doctors present also paid their subscriptions and became foundation members. There are now over 2,000 active members of the association.

The mission of the MAJ is to enhance the professional and personal development of its members, thereby enabling them to contribute optimally to the health and well-being of the Jamaican society. The MAJ continues to advocate for the provision of high-quality healthcare, and is a proactive voice in advancing health awareness and health promotion for the people of Jamaica. The MAJ is an active member of the National Committee on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) wherein a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach strives to control this epidemic which is responsible for eighty per cent of deaths in Jamaica. In addition to being active on several boards and national committees, we continue to collaborate with organisations such as the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, the Diabetes Association of Jamaica and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, to advance the health and wellbeing of the Jamaican people.

In the late 1970s, the MAJ worked closely with the Diabetes Association of Jamaica to educate the people of Jamaica about the disease. The then MAJ President, Dr Knox Hagley, held monthly public lectures across the island in public spaces, including community centres and church halls, to inform about diabetes and encourage lifestyle changes to minimise the impact of the disease on diabetic patients. In addition to education, he advocated for adequate treatment of the disease. To this day, a member of the MAJ sits on the board of the Diabetes Association of Jamaica.

In the early 90s, because of the large number of vehicular accidents, the resultant number of deaths and the high incidence of persons being maimed by road traffic accidents, the MAJ, through its president at the time, Dr Lucien Jones, took on the task of addressing road safety. As a result, the National Road Safety Council was formed with the main aim of reducing traffic accidents and the severe consequences which resulted from them.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the MAJ worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, and other civic groups, to educate persons about the disease by either hosting or participating in several webinars, as well as participating in countless interviews on social and traditional media. Additionally, several private sector organisations requested our assistance in educating their staff members about the disease, and MAJ members volunteered at vaccination sites and assisted with the vaccination process. Many of our members in private practice assisted in the vaccination effort by administering vaccines, and collated and forwarded the necessary data to the MOHW.

The MAJ is an active member of the Commonwealth Medical Association and holds a vice-president seat, which gives the MAJ the platform to continue to advocate for the improvement in, and access to, affordable and equitable healthcare services for all.

The MAJ has promoted continuing medical education through regular workshops, webinars and symposia held each year on topical clinical, professional, legal and ethical issues, as we seek to apprise our members of new and emerging developments.

As the MAJ moves forward, it will continue to forge a path of service and dedication to all Jamaicans, as we endeavour to relieve pain and suffering to the best of our abilities, and always abide and stay true to our oath.