The residents of Exchange, St Ann will now benefit from a newly built 3,500 square feet health centre.

Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson said the completed structure represents an important development in the Exchange community and will significantly enhance the way its residents seek medical care.

Dr Ferguson was speaking at the official opening ceremony on the grounds of the new facility.

"Improving and providing health-care services at the community level is a part of the Government's commitment to provide quality and accessible health care. The construction of the Exchange Health Centre is in line with this objective," Ferguson said.

The minister explained that, over the past two years, 16 health centres have been refurbished and equipped in the north-east region, which included the new Brainard Health Centre in St Mary and the Centre for Excellence in Claremont.

"The Primary Health Care Renewal Programme shows a serious commitment by the Government as well as several other partners who are aligning the demand for quality health-care with accessible health services - as, right across Jamaica, we are dedicated to provide this service to our communities," he said.

He added that, while all this improvement to facilities is being done, stakeholders need the support and involvement of citizens if any meaningful improvement to the overall health of the population is to happen.

The Exchange Health Centre was constructed at a cost of J$56 million, in partnership with the National Health Fund and the CHASE Fund.The facility was opened to the community as of yesterday.