Residents in the Blanchisseuse area now have greater access to primary health care services as the North Central Regional Health Authority opened a new multi-million-dollar facility there on Friday.
Member of Parliament for Arima and Minister of Planning and Development, Pennelope Beckles, cut the ribbon to open the Blanchisseuse Disaster Response Site and Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Retreat Centre on Friday.
“This facility, as a Public Sector Investment Programme, cost almost $3 million, and the facility is expected to provide services including an ante-natal clinic, chronic disease clinic, phlebotomy, family planning, dressing, school health, public immunisation, and pap smear.”
Also on hand for the event, Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh applauded the region’s health care professionals for their quality of work.
“The vision for the health sector is not only to build these wonderful facilities, but you know what is even more important? What goes on inside these facilities. People will tell you that hospitals like Arima is probably one of the best hospitals to be in because of the level of service and compassion that you get there.”
The Health Minister encouraged people to get vaccinated for influenza, as he noted that in 2024, eight people died from the virus.
“We urge the population to get vaccinated against influenza. Starting tomorrow at Mass Vaccination Sites like the Paddock, Divali Nagar, and a couple of others, but all health centres have it. Get vaccinated against influenza.”
The new medical facility is located next door to the community’s Health Centre and will also provide dental screening, mental health consultations, and other services.