St Mary, Jamaica—A $131-million investment by the Ministry of Health and Wellness has transformed the Belfield Community Health Centre in St Mary, significantly enhancing the delivery of primary healthcare services in the area.

The renovation, undertaken by the North East Regional Health Authority (NEHRA), which funded the project design at a cost of $10.1 million, was supported by $60 million from the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund, matched by an equal contribution from the National Health Fund (NHF).

The upgraded facility is expected to benefit over 20,000 residents in Belfield and neighbouring communities, enhancing access, infrastructure and service delivery.

CHASE Fund Board Chairman, Omar Frith, highlighted the project’s importance during the official opening ceremony on February 19.

“The Belfield Health Centre is going to provide primary care to over 20,000 people around this community and within the neighbouring vicinity,” he said, highlighting that persons will be able to access maternity care and post-maternity care, care for children and community-based public medical education programmes.

Frith described the project as a strong testament to the Fund’s confidence in the value of community-based healthcare.

For his part, Institutional Benefits Manager at the NHF, Collie Smith, hailed the refurbished facility, emphasising that access to basic services is vital for rural communities.

“It’s more than just a ribbon cutting; it’s about the people who use the facility every day,” he stated.

Smith described the project’s implementation as “a testament to strong collaboration and partnership with CHASE and the North East Regional Health Authority,” and “a symbol of the NHF’s commitment to partnership in healthcare, including investment in this parish (St Mary).”

The newly rebuilt facility spans 4,305 square feet.
Key improvements include: enhanced waiting and consultation areas; treatment and dressing rooms; pharmacy services; upgraded staff amenities; doctors’ offices/curative rooms; nurse and midwifery offices; a health records department; and improved bathroom facilities.

Additional features include sluice, laundry and storage areas; an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) service area; secured parking with entrance gates and perimeter fencing; a sewage disposal system and waste disposal area; a standby generator, and water storage with a pumping system.
-JIS