Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

PORT ANTONIO, Portland:

Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson last Friday encouraged residents to make use of the newly expanded Portland Health Department Pharmacy and waiting area, which was done at a cost of approximately $14 million.

Dr Ferguson was guest speaker at a special ceremony organised by the North East Regional Health Authority in collaboration with the National Health Fund (NHF). He said the Government is on a quest to improve medical facilities across the country to bring them to a level of acceptance for patients, workers, and other users.

"Primary health care will be a priority of this Government," said Dr Ferguson. "Already 80 health centres have been completed over the last three to four years. I want to pay tribute to my predecessor, Rudyard Spencer, for having started the process with the NHF.

As the new minister of health, we have continued those projects so as to complete that $300 million put forward by the NHF," said Dr Ferguson.

Through the NHF, $13.8 million was spent for the expansion and upgrading of the pharmacy, dispensary and waiting area, construction of a counselling room, office, storeroom, and modification to the administrative office. In addition, the work included tiling, painting, electrical work, and cupboards.

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