Dr Sheila Campbell-Forrester, Jamaica's chief medical officer (CMO), is this year's recipient of the Soroptimist International Club of Kingston's prestigious Stella Gregory Award.

Campbell-Forrester was recognised for her professionalism, commitment to excellence and dedicated service to the nation in the field of public health.

The award was presented at the club's 47th Anniversary Charter Luncheon at the Terra Nova Hotel in St Andrew on Saturday.

"I am honoured to be getting this recognition from the Soroptimist Club and I thank them. I urge persons to commit themselves to service to our country and fellow citizens so that we can secure our future and that of our children and theirs," she said.

In commending the CMO, Minister of Health Rudyard Spencer said she was thoroughly deserving of the honour.

"Dr Campbell-Forrester has been dedicated to improving the public health system and the health of the Jamaican people for many years. ... I express my congratulations to her and encourage others to follow her example," he said.

Soroptimist International is a worldwide association of service clubs in 120 countries and is an international volunteer service organisation for women in business, management and the professions.

The Stella Gregory Award was inaugurated in 1976 to honour the founder, Stella Gregory, who in 1962 introduced Soroptimist International as the first service club for women in Jamaica.

Each year an outstanding woman in a chosen field is recognised by the Corporate Area club, which is one of five clubs operating in Jamaica.