Approximately 10,000 residents in 27 districts/communities in West Rural St. Andrew and St. Thomas, Jamaica, now have access to improved curative services thanks to recently completed renovations at the Mavis Bank Health Centre, accomplished with grant funding from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Executed by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), the USD 213,431 (JMD20.9 million) upgrade included re-roofing of the building, Construction of bathroom and laundry facilities, electrical re-wiring, erection of a perimeter fence, and installation of additional water storage tanks. At the upgraded Centre, residents now enjoy - child and maternal health services; antenatal, postnatal and family planning services, and weekly dental care services. The services of a public health clinic which issues food handlers' permits; a laboratory technician and a pharmacy are also available. Additionally, CDB provided organisational strengthening training for the maintenance committee charged with the upkeep of the Centre. The Mavis Bank Health Centre is the nearest point to basic health services for residents of Mavis Bank, Hagley Gap, Penlyne Castle, Ginger Reece, Mt Lebanon and the several other districts. CAPTION: MP Damian Crawford takes a turn in the dentist's chair during the official handing over of the Mavis Bank Health Centre which was upgraded with funding from the Caribbean Development Bank. Checking his teeth is Nurse Belma Pinto from the centre, while Andrew Neita of JSIF and a Ministry of Health official looks on. (PHOTO: Courtesy of JSIF) Adapted from and Image Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com