Health Ministry Nears Repair Budget for Clinics Hit by Hurricane Melissa

The Ministry of Health and Wellness says it is in the final stage of damage assessments to settle renovation budgets for facilities affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Portfolio Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said close to 100 health centres in the five hardest-hit parishes are now first in line for remedial work.

He identified those parishes as St Elizabeth, Trelawny, Hanover, Westmoreland and St James.

According to Dr Tufton, engineering teams are conducting field inspections and preparing detailed estimates. He said they were recently in St Elizabeth reviewing sites, and added that within about a month the ministry should have clearer figures before moving into larger-scale repairs.

The minister was speaking on Thursday at the reopening of the Craighead Health Centre in Manchester, which was refurbished under Operation REFRESH at a cost of $45.6 million.

Upgrades at that facility included roof restoration, new windows and doors, installation of air-conditioning units and solar panels to improve energy use, floor tiling, new furnishings, and improved bathroom amenities for both staff and patients.

An old staff cottage on the compound was converted into a clinical space with resilient concrete walls. The property was also fenced for better security, and a new 20-space parking lot was constructed.

Operation REFRESH, a Ministry initiative financed by the National Health Fund, is focused on rehabilitating health centres islandwide to improve appearance, functionality and patient experience.

Dr Tufton said the programme is already well advanced, with nearly one facility reopening each week. He added that major works are also being pursued under the Health System Strengthening Programme, with openings expected at facilities in Old Harbour, St Jago and Portmore.