$6M repairs for Better Hope Health Centre

Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony has said $6 million will be used to repair the Better Hope Health Centre to make it operational again.

The Minister made this commitment after the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) officially handed over ownership of the facility to the Ministry on Thursday.

“Under the budget of Region Four, there is an allocation of $6 million and we will use that fund to start the repairs of the Better Hope Health Centre,” the Health Minister said.

If the current allocation is insufficient then provision will be made for more funds in next year’s budget, he explained.

The Minster stressed the importance of reopening the facility to serve the area.

“We recognise that there was a gap in the provision of primary and secondary healthcare services. So, when we approached NICIL and GuySuCo asking them for us to resuscitate the old health centre, they willing agreed and I want to thank both agencies for allowing us to have access to the facility,” he said.

GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sasenarine Singh applauded the move by NICIL and promised enhanced services to the community.

Meanwhile, Interim CEO of NICIL, Mr. Radha Krishna Sharma, said the decision will complement the Government’s existing health service agenda.

The facility falls under the mandate of the GuySuCo and its assets are under the purview of NICIL.

The Health Centre was formally part of the Ogle Diagnosis Centre and Ogle Estate years ago before it fell under the management of La Bonne Intention Estate.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Mr. Malcolm Watkins also attended the handing over ceremony. : Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr. Malcolm Watkins;