$38.97 Million Upgrading of Health Centres to Benefit 20,000 Residents

Government is spending nearly $40 million to upgrade two health centres in the parish of St. James, which will benefit over 20,000 residents in more than seven communities.

The projects are in keeping with the ongoing thrust to improve the country’s primary health infrastructure to provide holistic care for Jamaicans.

A total of $26.7 million has been allocated to renovate the Cambridge Health Centre, while $12.27 million is going towards expanding facilities at the Green Pond Health Centre.

The contracts for the projects, which are being financed by the National Health Fund (NHF), were recently signed.

Renovation of the Type 3 health centre at Cambridge is being undertaken by contractor Metal Plus Engineering over a six-month period.

The works include remodeling the pharmacy and medical records area, roof repairs,  installation of guttering system for the harvesting of rainwater, and installation of suspended ceilings throughout the facility to minimise noise and heat levels.

There will also be general refurbishing of the clinic to comprise painting, plumbing and electrical works; upgrading of the sewage disposal system, and addressing garbage and medical waste disposal.

Provision is also in the contract for repairs to the perimeter fencing, and installation of signage on the compound.

The facility offers prenatal and postnatal care, and medical, dental, family planning, immunisation, nutrition and pharmacy services.

Meanwhile, the 40-year-old Green Pond Type 1 health centre is being expanded to better serve the rapidly growing population spanning Green Pond, Farm Heights, Porto Bello and Cornwall Court.

The project will entail putting in additional examination rooms, office space, bathroom facilities for patients and staff, and expanding the waiting area.

Other works include roof repairs, redesigning the windows to provide for ventilation in the waiting area, erecting a retaining wall, and painting and landscaping. The improvements are expected to be completed within 11 months.

Among the services currently being provided by the Green Pond Health Centre are prenatal and postnatal care, child health, immunisation, nutrition, phlebotomy, dressing, family planning services and home visits.

The projects will be monitored and managed by a team from the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), and both facilities will remain open to the public while the works are being carried out.