JACKSON TOWN, Trelawny — Residents of all ages in this and nearby communities have welcomed the reopening of their health centre, which was recently renovated at a cost of $23 million under the Government’s $1-billion ‘Operation Refresh’ initiative.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, the Operation Refresh initiative aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and overall experience of selected health centres nationwide.

For Orette Duffus, a resident of Jackson Town, it means he and his three children no longer have to travel to another town for routine medical care and back-to-school checks.

“I am happy, happy about that. Is the best thing happen,” he said Thursday.

“Two of [my] youths come yesterday and one come today to get him injection. So you see how proud I am to talk? Because I would have to go to Ulster Spring or I would have to go to Clarks Town… The convenience is right here now and nuff people like that,” Duffus added.

Senior citizen Wilfred “Sufferer” Ferguson, who lives in nearby Mahogany Hall, expressed relief that with the facility now back in operation, he and his wife do not have to wake up as early as they had to when securing services in Clarks Town.

“I really appreciate it. I feel good, real good too… A yah so me a come now. My wife date is due Monday morning. Me way down inna October,” the elderly man said.

Member of Parliament for Trelawny Southern Marisa Dalrymple Philibert commended residents for their patience during the two-year closure of the facility, which was reopened following a comprehensive refurbishing. She described the community as proud, resilient, and patient, noting that although they had to wait a long time, the reopening marks a significant achievement.

“As they say in Jamaica, good things come to those who wait. And what a fabulous achievement we have this afternoon. It is truly with pride and purpose that I am here this evening to mark what I consider a major step forward in the journey in this area to a healthier, a stronger and a more prosperous community. It is demonstrated by the refurbishing of our health clinic,” said the MP.

She explained that the Trelawny Municipal Corporation had been forced to shut down the facility because the back room “was sinking”.

“It was condemned,” the MP said.

In delivering the keynote address during Thursday afternoon’s official reopening, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton also lauded residents for waiting two years for the refurbishing of the facility.

“I feel you breathing a sigh of relief, exhaling,” Tufton said.

He explained that repairs were done in phases under various programmes, ultimately consolidated as part of Operation Refresh, which was launched last year.

“It is for both the staff as it is for the residents who will visit, because the staff must be comfortable too, and they must feel like they want to get up and go to work every day. They must have a kitchenette; they must have a fridge, a stove, a microwave, and a little area where they can see patients that is comfortable, and so on. It’s a holistic approach to health care,” the minister added.

Wilfred Ferguson expresses relief Thursday that, with the facility now back in operation, he and his wife do not have to wake up as early as they had to when securing services in Clarks Town. Horace Hines

Orette Duffus explaining that he and his three children no longer have to travel to another town for routine medical care and back-to-school checks. Horace Hines