April 19, 2011 -- President James Michel yesterday inaugurated the newly built North Mahe health centre, located in Beau Vallon. The President, accompanied by Dr Erna Athanasius who is the Minister for Health, unveiled a plaque to mark the inauguration.

Residents of North Mahe are being urged to make proper use of their new health centre which was officially opened yesterday afternoon.

The ceremony took place at the centre's compound at Beau Vallon where President James Michel got the honour to unveil the plaque marking the inauguration.

Also present were Chief Justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende, Health Minister Erna Athanasius and other ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and of the National Assembly, and high government officials.

Health staff including principal secretary Bernard Valentin and commissioner Jude Gedeon were also there.

Minister Athanasius said residents have to ensure that their new health centre serves them for more than 30 years.

"Residents also have to take care of their health and they also have to be responsible for their wellness," she added.

She said the ministry hopes to build a longstanding partnership with them and the business community in the region in healthcare delivery.

She added that though people had to wait a long time for their new centre, they have finally got a beautiful and well equipped building.

"Since we laid the foundation stone for this project there have been many challenges, but the North Mahe residents have been patient," she said.

She added that the old Beau Vallon clinic, which was opened in 1979, has served the people for 30 years.

Dr Athanasius also thanked Mr Michel and his government for the health centre and said this is a true victory for Seychelles.

Bel Ombre district administrator Pharisianne Lucas also thanked the government for the much awaited health centre.

She asked all residents not to abuse it in anyway so that the future generation can also benefit from it.

She added that though the old clinic was not that comfortable, it has been very helpful and the new one is a treasure for the community.

Nurse manager Virginia Victor said among the services the centre will be offering are physiotheraphy, occupational and oral health as well as facilities for pregnant women.
 
She noted that the casualty unit is well equipped.

"Patients are very satisfied with the services and feel very comfortable as the building is airconditioned," she said.

During the ceremony, the new Beau Vallon health centre was blessed by Father Colin Underwood, Parish priest of the St Roch's Roman Catholic Church.

There were also entertainment by popular local artists Patrick Victor and François Havelock and students from schools in North Mahe.