McKenzie pleads for reopening of Vouch Health Clinic

Saturday, September 05, 2015, Source

MEMBER of Parliament for Western Kingston Desmond McKenzie wants Government to reopen the public health clinic operated within the Voluntary Organisation for the Upliftment of Children (VOUCH) facilities at National Heroes Circle.

McKenzie told the House of Representatives on Wednesday that outside of public health facilities in Tivoli Gardens, Denham Town and Hannah Town, the Vouch Clinic was the only other health facility available to residents of downtown Kingston.

"In fact, the Vouch Clinic provides health care for residents of Fletcher's Land, Allman Town and Orange Villa, and all adjoining areas, and the next nearest clinic is in East Kingston (Giltress Street)," McKenzie told the Jamaica Observer.

"When I asked the minister of health about the closure, over a year ago, he said he wasn't aware of it," the MP added.

McKenzie said that he had begged the Ministry of Health not to close the clinic, because of its proximity to so many inner-city communities in downtown Kingston and its 50 years of serving these communities.

"I am urging the authorities to reconsider the decision to close the health centre, and I urge the South East Regional Health Authority not to close the facility," he said Thursday night.

VOUCH — a comprehensive social service body — is a non-profit, non-sectarian, non-governmental organisation, which provides for the total needs of children up to six years of age. However, the health clinic, which caters to all age groups, had been operated by the government for several years now.