Large Turnout For Free Kidney Screenings At Mandeville Health Fair

Press Release From Southern Regional Authority, Marcy 13, 2026

Scores of people turned out for free kidney screening tests at a health fair hosted by the Mandeville Regional Hospital (MRH) Renal Department, as part of activities marking World Kidney Week.

The event, held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, offered a range of services including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, urine testing, eye examinations and HIV testing. Medical professionals were on hand to provide guidance on kidney health and disease prevention.

Nurse Manager at the MRH Renal Unit, Mrs. Marika Davis -Miller, said the screening initiative is aimed at helping persons detect potential kidney problems early.

“Here we are testing persons so they could know if they have kidney disease or if they are at risk of getting kidney disease. Based on the theme this year which is ‘Kidney Health for all, Caring for People, Protecting the Planet’, we want persons to eat healthy and stay active because a healthy people will provide a healthy nation.,” Mrs. Davis-Miller said.

The renal team organized a week-long series of activities, such as a church service, a blood collection drive, a webinar, poster competitions and presentations highlighting the importance of kidney health and preventative care.

Health fair attendees welcomed the initiative, with one participate, Suen Palmer praising the organisers for a job well done. 

“I mean, it's a good initiative. The renal units, I think it's an annual thing that they do. It's a very good initiative. I think it's very helpful to the community overall. It was pretty easy. There wasn't any hiccups. Smooth sailing. Yeah, it was good,” Palmer said.

Following the positive feedback from participants, Davis-Miller sought to reassure those who might feel hesitant about being tested. 

 “They don't need to be scared because it is a regular test that we are doing. What we tend to do is put ourselves in the patient's position. How would we like to be treated? So, we won't treat them unkind. We are here to care for them,” she said.

The Nurse Manager encouraged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, including regular screenings, proper hydration, balanced diets and physical activity.