Adopt-a-Clinic programme raises $175m for health centres island-wide
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Government’s Adopt-a-Clinic Programme has so far raised approximately J$175 million to benefit 40 health centres island-wide.
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton, made the disclosure at a ceremony for the adoption of the Dr Kenneth Baugh Health Centre in Point Hill, St Catherine, on Wednesday.
Dr Tufton said the programme is growing and fostering important partnerships with Jamaicans in the island and across the Diaspora to improve health care delivery.
He noted that the initiative is about improving primary health institutions by allowing a set of resources to enter the facilities over a period of three years for repairs and maintenance.
“This [Dr Kenneth Baugh Health Centre] adoption is the 40th facility… we want to get to 100. People are buying into [the initiative] and we are seeing persons coming forward to participate in these adoptions. It means that you commit to giving support and you are establishing relationships with the facility and the people who benefit,” Tufton said.
He noted that the Dr Kenneth Baugh Health Centre is a fitting tribute to the late former Member of Parliament for St Catherine West Central, who was known for providing free medical care to community members.
“Ken Baugh is symbolic of primary healthcare in many ways, and not only was he a good human being, but a really kind soul. He is someone who dedicated his life to service as a doctor, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament,” he said.
The health centre has been adopted by Jamaica’s Consulate General in Miami in the United States and will receive support from the institution’s Jamaica Hi-5 5K Run/Walk on November 19.
Dr Tufton said Consul General, Oliver Mair, and his team have done a “great job” and have been able to adopt five health centres across the island.
“We hope that others will look on and see this as an example to follow,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Mair said he is grateful for the participation of the many Diaspora members who continue to support the fundraising 5K Run/Walk, in a show of commitment to their homeland.
“All the funds that we raise are for this very important programme, the Adopt-A-Clinic. We all have to take care of our health and make exercise a priority,” the Consul General said.
