POINT HILL: Gov’t breaks ground, signs contract for new health centre
November 8, 2019Minister of Health Dr. Christopher Tufton (centre) breaks ground for construction of the Dr. Kenneth Baugh Health Centre. Others (from left) are Dr. Baugh’s son, Gregory; Chief Executive Officer at the National Health Fund Everton Anderson; Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang; and contractor Harrington Costley. 
Minister of Health Dr. Christopher Tufton (seated second right) and Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang (seated right), sign a contract for the construction of the Dr. Kenneth Baugh Health Centre in Point Hill, St. Catherine, on Wednesday (November 6). Photos: Dave Reid 
Ground was broken and a contract signed on Wednesday, November 6, for construction of the Dr. Kenneth Baugh Health Centre in the rural community of Point Hill, St. Catherine West Central.
The National Health Fund (NHF) is providing approximately $28 million for the project.
The 1,453-square-foot single-storey building will include a registry for record-keeping, an immunization area, antenatal and postnatal facility, a lunch-room, dressing room, dental services and a doctor’s office.
The Point Hill Health Centre is being demolished to accommodate the new facility, which is named in honour of Dr. Kenneth Baugh – the late medical surgeon, former Deputy Prime Minister, and Member of Parliament for St. Catherine West Central.
The Type Three health centre has been operating from the Point Hill Community Centre for some time, as the building had become deteriorated.
Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, in his remarks at the ground breaking, said the project is a fitting tribute to the late Dr. Baugh, who was always concerned about the health and welfare of the residents in the constituency.
NHF Chief Executive Officer, Everton Anderson, for his part, said: “[The project] is another sign of development for the health sector and a further step in improving the infrastructure for the delivery of health services throughout Jamaica, as we raise the level of care provided in communities”.
He added that renaming the health centre after Dr. Baugh is one way the nation gives back to a stalwart medical practitioner, who was determined to assist the hundreds of people living in his constituency.
“I remember him as being so diplomatic, so calm in his disposition. Every time I encountered him, it was a pleasure speaking to him,” he said.
He noted that the NHF has done the design and will help to manage the project.
Meanwhile, health practitioners at Point Hill Health Centre are welcoming the construction of the new building.
“I’m very happy about this new initiative,” said Registered Midwife, Sharon Babbitt Edwards.
“The people of Point Hill have been hoping for improved services, and we’re happy and we’re looking forward to the new facility,” she added.
Community Health Aide, Francell Willis, said the project ‘will benefit the community is a very big way, because people have been travelling to Kitson Town [and] Spanish Town to get services such as dental care’.
Costley’s Construction is undertaking the project, which is expected to be completed within six months after construction commences.
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