OFFICIAL OPENING FOR LA BREA HEALTH CENTRE

At a cost of $3.4 million, the centre was reconstructed over a three-year period to provide patients and staff with a modern health facility, equipped with the latest medical technology.

Health Minister John Rahael was on hand to do the honours, saying that the re-construction of health centres is a critical element of the ministry’s health sector policy. “We are continuing to promote healthy lifestyles and easy access to quality health care as part of our thrust towards developed nation status,” he said.

The La Brea Health Centre was among a list of health centres that were earmarked for upgrade in the south-west region and Rahael boasted that over the past three years, primary health care in the region has received a boost with the upgrade of the Marabella and Erin Health Centres.

The Health Minister also announced, that infrastructural works are in various stages of completion at several other health institutions.

The Minister said that the La Brea Health Centre, which would operate Monday to Friday, is expected to serve a population of approximately 16,000 people in the community.

The health centre will offer child health care, antenatal, postnatal and family planning clinics, medical social services, chronic disease clinics, pap smears, home visits, walk-in clinics and pharmacy services.

Attending Thursday’s opening ceremony were — Deputy Chairman of the South West Regional Health Authority Dr Joel Sinanan and parliamentary representative for the area Hedwidge Bereaux.