Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson says about $268 million will be spent on additional infrastructure improvements and equipping of the primary-care centres of excellence under phase Two of the projects.

The funding is being provided through the National Health Fund.

"We have completed Phase One of all four of the facilities: Claremont in St Ann, Isaac Barrant in St Thomas, Darliston in Westmoreland. and Santa Cruz in

St Elizabeth. All have been officially opened. Jamaicans are now enjoying the upgraded and improved facilities that they offer," Ferguson said.

The intention is for the centres to be the first choice of access to health-care services for residents in the areas they serve so that there is an appreciable reduction in the improper use of secondary care facilities which, in the long run, will be more cost-effective.

It is also a part of efforts to improve services offered at the primary level of care.

Ferguson further explained that "the centres of excellence will be used as models to improve the surrounding health centres as we continue work to provide the best primary health-care system we can to our population".