KINGSTON, Jamaica. Monday, September 23, 2024: The Ministry of Health & Wellness, in collaboration with its agency the National Health Fund (NHF) and the Southern Regional Health Authority, has reopened yet another health centre under Operation Refresh.
The Malvern Health Centre in St. Elizabeth, renovated to the tune of more than $55 million, was reopened last Friday (September 20, 2024), thanks to the programme, which was announced by the Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, MP, in his Sectoral presentation earlier this year.
Malvern, a Type II facility, now boasts a new waiting area, medical records department, two additional offices, entry portico, ramp and steps, together with a reinforced concrete boundary wall with aluminum pickets, chain-link boundary fencing and a comfortable space for security personnel. The building was also painted, and air conditioning, electrical and plumbing installation done. More than 7,000 patients are expected to benefit from the new-look facility each year.
Operation Refresh, which has also seen the reopening of two facilities in St. Thomas, brings a standardised look and feel to benefitting facilities through signage and colour schemes, as well as improving areas of wait and staff quarters.
Where necessary, sustainability features such as solar panels for energy efficiency, air conditioning and improved sanitary conveniences for a more comfortable wait, are also being added.
The programme – for which one billion dollars has been earmarked over 18 months – has a second component that is being driven by community health aides (CHAs) who are oftentimes the first point of contact with the public health system for community members. More community activations involving CHAs, such as home visits and giving support to senior citizens and pregnant mothers, are to be supported.