EAST END, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas -- Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, during a tour of works being carried out on reconstruction of the government clinic in East Grand Bahama, Thursday, noted that with time the government intends to introduce tele-medicine to the entire Bahamas so that clinics like the one in East End would be connected to the Rand in Freeport and to the major hospital in New Providence.

“That is the long-term goal,” added Prime Minister Minnis. “While the Bahamas is an archipelagic nation, with islands separated by water, medical technology will be able to bring it [together] as [if] one land mass.”

The clinic has been under reconstruction since its devastation by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.  With most of the work completed, the Prime Minister noted they are awaiting supplies, furniture and equipment, which should arrive March 15.

As far as medical personnel is concerned, the Prime Minister said there will be a discussion among hospital executives on properly staffing the clinic with adequate medical personnel.

“I’m certain that East End will have not just a great clinic, but they will also have the right personnel there as well,” he said.

One of the unique features, or upgrades, to the East End Clinic is the commitment to solar energy:  A solar grid has been installed in the rear of the building, positioned to take full advantage of the constant sunshine near the landing dock on the extreme eastern tip of the island.

Accompanying the Prime Minister on a tour of the facility were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works Desmond Bannister; Minister of State for Finance and for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson; Minister of Social Services and Urban Development Frankie Campbell; Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard; Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction Iram Lewis; Senator Jasmine Darius; Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe; and other government officials, including Administrator of the Rand Memorial Hospital, Mrs. Sharon Williams.

The tour of the East End Clinic was one of a few stops the Prime Minister and his entourage made during their time in East Grand Bahama, which was severely devastated by Hurricane Dorian. The Prime Minister also got an opportunity to tour works that have been completed at the police station, located on the landing dock.

“We’re pleased with the work that is being done with the station and it’s good to know that East End will soon have its police station back, along with full time police presence,” said Dr. Minnis.

The dock has also undergone major repairs by Waugh Construction.