KINGSTON, Jamaica. Friday, February 24, 2023: The Sunrise Health Centre in St. Andrew became the 42nd facility to be adopted under the Ministry of Health and Wellness' Adopt-a-Clinic on Friday, February 24, 2023. The Centre was adopted by Jamaican- born Patrick Lai Fatt, who owns and operates the USAFE TECH SECURITY, a firm based in the United Kingdom. The donor has committed $1 million per year, or $3 million for a total of over 3 years (2023–2026), to purchase much-needed equipment and to repair minor infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.
During the official adoption launch, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, MP, Minister of Health and Wellness, charged Jamaicans to greatly utilize the services provided at the health centres so that hospitals can concentrate on major emergencies. He added that partnership will go a long way in rebuilding hope in primary healthcare institutions.
He further stated that “we have to restore the confidence in our health centres, as the costs to treat non-communicable diseases are escalating,” the minister said, noting that people should use them for regular checkups and screening.
The Adopt-a-Clinic Programme is an initiative that seeks to engage the private sector locally and in the diaspora to play a critical role in improving the provision and access to primary health care.
The Sunrise Health Centre, which is located at 107B Red Hills Road, Kingston 19, is a type 3 health centre that provides primary health care services to the health districts in and around Sunrise. The facility was originally a dwelling house that was expanded and repurposed as a health centre in the late 1960s. The health centre was again renovated in 1993 and 2003 to incorporate a pharmacy. The facility also serves an estimated 22,454 patients annually. It offers a range of health care services, including maternal and child health, curative, dental, mental health, antenatal and postnatal care, immunization, and family planning.
Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton (right), Minister of Health & Wellness, and Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, DPhil (left), Minister of Finance and the Public Service and Member of Parliament, St. Andrew North Western, hold the plaque to symbolize the adoption of the Sunrise Health Centre during the launch on Friday, February 24, 2023. Observing from the right is Mr. Patrick Lai Fatt, Managing Director, USAFE TECH SECURITY.
