The government broke ground on the Berry Islands Community Clinic yesterday.
The government recently signed a $4 million contract for the construction of the medical facility, which will be located on Bamboo Cay.
During a ceremony on the island yesterday, Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis said the clinic will provide access to lifesaving medical care to residents.
“For many people who live in the Family Island communities, health care has always been tied to distance,” he said.
“A routine visit can take planning. A sudden illness can bring fear, an unexpecting mother, a senior citizen, a parent with a sick child, a worker who needs treatment, all can face the added burden of travel, uncertainty and delay. That is a heavy load for any family to carry.
“The people of the Berry Islands deserve better. You deserve a facility that reflects your right as citizens of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. You deserve care delivered in a setting built for service, dignity and respect. You deserve the confidence that your government sees you, values you and is prepared to invest in you.
“That is what this clinic represents. It represents access.”
The project is a collaboration of the Ministry of Works and Veritas Consultants.
Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Michael Darville emphasized the Davis’ administration goal to expand medical infrastructure on the Family Islands.
“We’ve been working on this project for more than two and a half years,” he said.
He added, “On coming to office, we made a commitment that we would focus on the Family Islands so that our brothers and sisters in the Family Islands have access to the same quality health care as we enjoy in the capital and Grand Bahama.
“So, for the last two years, we’ve been working to deliver nine new clinics across our archipelago.
“The 7,000 square foot facility will feature a morgue, emergency medical transport area, and a medical waste building.”
