The Fairy Hill Health Centre in Portland, which underwent major rehabilitation last year following the passage of Hurricane Dean, was recently officially handed over to the community by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF).

Approximately $6.6 million was spent by the World Bank through the Hurricane Dean Emergency Recovery Loan. More than 2,500 residents will be able to benefit from the use of the health facility.

General manager of technical services at JSIF, Omar Sweeny, explained that following the passage of Dean in 2007, the entire roofing of the health facility was blown off and furniture was either damaged or destroyed, which left hundreds of residents at Fairy Hill and other adjoining communities without basic health care.

"Some 3,000 persons have registered at this Type II clinic," he said. "This is in addition to other residents. The clinic's hardworking staff of health aides and other medical staff will now be able to enjoy use of this facility under improved conditions. The majority of users of the facility are from low-income households, synchronising with JSIF mandate in bring better services to the most underserved."

The Fairy Hill Health Centre renovation was done in three months with continuous work by a contracting team.

Giorgio Valentini, a World Bank representative, urged residents to utilise the facility, but cautioned them to observe good health practices.

"It is a fact that people of the Caribbean enjoy a long life," he said. "However, this is oftentimes disrupted by poor health choices and practices, which leads to chronic diseases. This facility will provide basic health services to the people of this area."