THE residents of Albouystown and Charlestown would benefit from access to improved public health services as the Georgetown City Council commenced repairs to the decrepit building which houses the Albouystown Health Centre at the corner of Bel Air and James Street.The Council anticipates that the building would be completed in another two months and the estimated cost to repair the structure is $3M.

The building was in a state of disrepair with defective walls and roof. Council moved to close the facility to facilitate repairs so that health services would be provided in an environment that is safe and conducive to health for the residents and municipal staff in the Albouystown and Charlestown communities.

Town Clerk Royston King said it is the Council’s project that all municipal buildings would be upgraded by the end December 2017.

The infant, antenatal, postnatal services, family planning, Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) clinics that were held in the building were temporarily relocated to the South Road Health Centre.

Once the facility is completed, it is anticipated that the center would become more youth-friendly and emphasis would be placed on addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of youths in the communities.

Moreover, visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) services would be included as part of the routine services provided.

The City Council provides healthcare services to approximately 1,700 residents in the two communities.