Bolans resident praises health-screening exercise hosted by Shugy to fill the gap left by closed clinic
In the same way that the residents of Urlings benefitted from a free
health-screening exercise hosted by Kelvin “Shugy” Simon, two
weeks ago, the people of Bolans enjoyed the community initiative
this past weekend.
And amid the screening, Simon called, yet again, for the opening of
the Bolans Clinic, which remains out of operation more than six
months after its official christening in March 2023.
The second installment of the health screening was held at the
Bolans Primary School on Saturday, October 7, and was intended to
bring relief to the community.
The initiative targeted mostly residents without a primary care
physician and those unable to afford medical services. Persons who
took part welcomed the exercise, which focused not only on their
physical condition but on their mental health and social needs.
They had the opportunity to check their blood pressure, body mass
index (BMI), and risk of diabetes; and, where applicable, they
received referrals for follow-up care.
Those taking part were also surveyed about non-medical needs,
such as diet and exercise which can affect their health.
“The programme was very well-organized and they made me feel
comfortable from the minute I got there,” one participant says.
She reports that she did some blood work and the results showed
that her cholesterol level is high. She therefore received a referral to
see a cardiologist. Her diet and current medications were also
discussed with the healthcare professionals, she says.
According to the Bolans resident, she is grateful for this free check-
up, and says that more health services like this are needed in the
community.
Poor access to healthcare services in St. Mary’s South was Simon’s
main motivation for launching this initiative.
The UPP candidate continues to blast the Gaston Browne
Administration for failing to open the newly constructed clinic in
Bolans.
Additionally, he notes that the clinic in Johnsons Point is in a state of
disrepair and the pharmacy is closed, forcing residents to travel to
the Browne’s Avenue or Grays Farm clinic to fill their prescriptions.
According to Simon, “Investing in the health of our community is an
investment in our future.”
He describes the health-screening drive as a resounding success and
an exercise that he intends to make an annual event.
This community initiative was made possible by a team of volunteer
healthcare professionals.
