KINGSTON, Jamaica. Thursday, September 19, 2024: The Ministry of Health and Wellness, in partnership with its agency the National Health Fund (NHF) and the Southeast Regional Health Authority, has reopened the first two benefitting health centres under the new programme, Operation Refresh.
The health centres – Port Morant and Arcadia, both in St. Thomas – were reopened today (Thursday, September 19, 2024). Operation Refresh, which was announced by the Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, MP during his Sectoral presentation earlier this year, is designed to give renewed attention to primary care reform.
One billion Jamaican dollars has been earmarked for the programme, which is to spruce up select health centres while also enabling more home visits from community health aides.
“Our attempts for community mindset transformation must include restoring our community health centres to a look, feel and utility that attracts community participation and support. We want our health centres to be a source of pride and our citizens to expect and experience improved customer experience,” said the health minister, during his keynote address at the reopening ceremony.
HEALTH CENTRES
The Port Morant Health Centre is a type II facility which serves a population of some 34,000 people. It has been renovated at a cost of J$28 million. Funded by the NHF, the scope of work included retiling, repainting, replacement of fixtures and fittings, and roof repairs. Additionally, external work included the construction of a patient waiting area, landscaping, and paving.
Arcadia Health Centre, a type I health care facility which serves some 200 persons, benefited from a J$6-million renovation, also funded by the NHF.
The scope of work there included the repainting, retiling, and changing of interior fixtures and fittings. Termite treatment, fence repairs, and de-bushing were also done.
Both health centres offer a variety of services, including Medical, Family Planning, Pre & Postnatal Care, Child Health, Pharmacy, Nutrition, and Environmental Health.
Pic 1: Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health & Wellness, cuts the ribbon to officially reopen the Port Morant Health Centre today, (September 19, 2024) under 'Operation Refresh'. Captured also from left are: Mr. Lascelles Brown, Acting Regional Director, SERHA; Dr. Michelle Charles, Member of Parliament, St. Thomas Eastern; Mr. Wentworth Charles, Board Chairman, SERHA; and. Mrs. Colleen Wright, Parish Manager, St. Thomas Health Services.
תגובות