Swan on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway yesterday celebrated the grand opening of its brand new community health centre, a $45m first-of-its-kind project spearheaded by the government to improve healthcare access and services for over 1000 residents.
The event was attended by a host of government officials, including Minis-ter of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, who expressed the administration’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality medical care. “This is a truly great day for our community,” said Dr. Anthony during the opening ceremony. “We recognize that having access to quality healthcare close to home is vital for the well-being of our people, and we have been working tirelessly to improve health facilities across the country, with this community centre being a shining example of our efforts.”
The new community health centre will provide a comprehensive range of services, including maternal and child health clinics, routine check-ups, and specialized care tailored to the unique needs of the local population.
“One of the primary goals is to ensure that pregnant women receive the care they need throughout their pregnancy, and that children are vaccinated and receive appropriate healthcare as they grow,” explained Anthony.
“We want to make sure that every member of this community, from the youngest to the oldest, has access to the medical attention they deserve.” In addition to the standard healthcare services, the centre will also offer eye screening and spectacle vouchers for residents under 80 years old.
“We understand that as people age, they often face various health challenges, including vision problems,” said Anthony.
He added: “By providing these eye care services, we want to make sure that our elders can see properly and access the care they need to maintain their quality of life.”
Residents expressed their gratitude for the new community health centre, which they believe will have a transformative impact on their lives.
“Having this facility right here in our neighbourhood is a game-changer,” said Amanda Casimero.
“Now we don’t have to travel far to get the medical attention we need. This is a huge benefit for our community, and we are truly grateful to the government for making this happen”, she said. With the additional services and facilities planned for the future, a few community members of Swan expressed to SN that they look forward to a healthier future where they don’t have to travel very far to get their basic health checkups.
