Construction of Old Harbour Comprehensive Health Centre Passes Halfway Mark

Article originally published on the project's website on 09/10/2025. The European Union through LACIF contributes to the Health Services Network Strengthening project through an investment grant.

Work is steadily advancing on the new Old Harbour Comprehensive Health Centre, which is now approximately 52 per cent complete. The project, being implemented under the Health Systems Strengthening Programme (HSSP), officially began in February this year, following contractor mobilisation.

Programme Manager for the HSSP, Orett Clarke, welcomed the progress, as he gave an update on the facility today.

“So far, the team has finished preparing the site and building the foundation. The main structure is now up, with walls and columns in place,” Clarke said. “Work has also started on the plumbing and electrical systems, and the roof is about 60 per cent complete.”

Clarke added that finishes, including rough casting and rendering, have started. “After this, the team will commence activities like the installation of windows and doors, painting, landscaping, and so on,” he said.

The project remains on schedule for completion in the first half of next year. Once construction is finished, the HSSP and South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) teams will oversee retrofitting the facility with staff, furniture, modern medical tools, and the Electronic Health Records (EHR) system, e-Care.

Located on East Street in Old Harbour, the 2,000-square-metre facility will replace the existing Type 3 centre that has outgrown its space. The new centre will be equipped to serve up to 10,000 patients per month, offering a wide range of primary healthcare services, including pharmacy, laboratory, ECG, phlebotomy, X-ray, physiotherapy, and screenings for ophthalmology and audiometry. It will also feature dedicated areas for dentistry, mental health, and maternal and child health services.

The project represents an investment of almost JMD 1 billion, covering construction, medical equipment, furniture, and an on-site wastewater treatment plant.

Funding for the construction is primarily provided through the European Union’s grant to the HSSP, while sewage works, furniture and equipment are being procured through the Government of Jamaica investment.