NHF Investigates Hacker Claim Over Jamaicans’ Medical Records

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton says the National Health Fund has been contacted by a hacker group claiming to hold sensitive medical information on some Jamaicans, including medication and prescription-benefit records.

Speaking at Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Tufton said the NHF had received a threat linked to reports of a possible breach of its database. He said the claim has not yet been verified, although the group has pointed to data it says it obtained. The matter has been reported to the Office of the Information Commissioner, and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency has been asked to assist. Tufton said the NHF has been strengthening its cybersecurity while investigations continue.

In court news, a woman accused of taking a cellphone from a man she spent the night with is to face trial on June 22 in the Half-Way Tree Parish Court on a simple larceny charge. Prosecutors alleged that the items were later returned at a police station and that the accused admitted taking them under caution. The woman denied wrongdoing, saying the phone was given to her as a gift and that she took nothing else. Judge Peter Wilson extended her bail, ordered fingerprinting, imposed reporting conditions and barred contact with the complainant.

The Opposition People’s National Party is also pressing the Government for a detailed account of the diversion of a Conviasa flight to Norman Manley International Airport. The Venezuelan airline said passengers on a Mexico-to-Venezuela route were kept on the tarmac for about eight hours after the aircraft landed in Jamaica. Opposition spokesperson Senator Donna Scott-Mottley said Jamaica must explain decisions on ground handling, refuelling, passenger welfare and inter-agency coordination. Transport Minister Daryl Vaz said he understood the aircraft had stopped to refuel and was awaiting a full report.

Separately, Ricardo Dennis, an accused man in a $93-million National Commercial Bank fraud matter, was granted $900,000 bail in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court. Prosecutors allege he received $9.2 million from the scheme. He must report three times weekly, surrender travel documents, and return to court on September 11.