$42M NHF GRANT FUNDS KENNETH BAUGH HEALTH CENTRE

THE NATIONAL HEALTH FUND

$42M NHF GRANT FUNDS KENNETH BAUGH HEALTH CENTRE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KINGSTON, Jamaica … June 9, 2021- The National Health Fund (NHF) provided a grant of $42 million for the construction of the Kenneth Baugh Health Centre in Point Hill, St Catherine which was officially opened on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, by the Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon Christopher Tufton.

The new facility is equipped with a registry for record-keeping, immunization area, antenatal and postnatal facilities, lunchroom, dressing room, dental services, and a doctor’s office.

Formally known as the Point Hill Health Centre, the Type 3 facility was renamed in honour of Dr. Kenneth Baugh a former Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for the constituency. Dr Kenneth Baugh made significant contributions to Jamaica’s health sector as a surgeon and led significant reforms in the health sector, including the eradication of Polio and the expansion of the immunization programme.

In his remarks at the opening ceremony, Minister Tufton said, “Dr Ken Baugh championed primary health care which is another significance of this facility, this is community health care and he was the doctor and the gentleman who championed the community response to good public health. This is symbolic but it is also tangible because it is going to do a lot to help the people on the ground and every time people walk through the gate they will see Ken Baugh’s name as a reminder of what he did.”

Chief Executive Officer of the NHF, Mr. Everton Anderson, said, “I am pleased that the NHF was once again able to deliver on this project. The improved facility will raise the level of care provided to the community of over 5,000 persons as well as its environs. We are now in the process of finalizing a pharmacy solution to ensure that the people who come to this facility will be able to access pharmacy services.”

Also in attendance at the opening ceremony relatives of the Baugh family which included his widow, Mrs Vilma Baugh and his children Mrs Melanie Schwapp and Mr Gregory Baugh.

The Kenneth Baugh Health Centre will continue to provide services such as curative, maternal and child health, family planning among others to surrounding communities such as Duxes, Mendez, Pusey, Roaring River, Garden Hill, Junction, Browns Town, Rennals and Old Works. 

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Contact:   Sharon Jones, Health Promotion and Public Relations Manager,     

                  Health Promotion & Public Relations Department                                         

                  Telephone numbers: 876-906-1106 or 876-820-5994 

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