The renovation of the Bagatelle Health Centre is underway. Hon. Parliamentary Representative for the Petite Savanne Constituency and Health Minister, Dr. Kenneth Darroux, says the $200,000 renovation was needed.
“This health center might be 30-40 years old. It is a gift from the Brenda Strafford Foundation, a charitable organization based in Canada. It has had its fair share of wear and tear. It has become quite unsafe because of electrical and plumbing problems,” he explained.
The entire structure is being overhauled including the floor plan to allow for a pharmacy.
“In the past, the pharmacist would set up a table which would mean very little privacy and comfort for both the pharmacist and the patients. So we did a bit of remodelling in the waiting area.”
Dennison Carrette won the contract to undertake the renovations.
“We changed everything from the internal walls to the bathrooms to the treatment and screening rooms…” he said. “It’s a more comfortable place right now. I think they’ll be grateful. We are thankful for our Parliamentary Representative… for making a start on that great project.”
In the 2015/2016 National Budget, $52.1m was allocated to the Ministry of Health, which included renovations to health centers across the island.
The Hon. Health Minister says primary health is of utmost importance, hence the need for upgrades to a number of health care facilities across the island. “This is where it has to start and not really at the hospital,” he said referring to the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs).
“One of the first things which I did when I took up office was to go around the island and visit all health districts and health centres especially the more problematic ones. I gave a commitment that we would start addressing some of those problems.”
The project which began in July is expected to be complete by the end of September. (Source GIS Dominica)
