Peter Richards, Gleaner Writer

Persons at the Slipe Pen Road Comprehensive Health Centre in the Corporate Area, who turned out for the first day of activities after the abolition of user fees in public health-care facilities on Tuesday. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Activities at the Comprehensive Health Centre on Slipe Pen Road in the Corporate Area appeared quite normal Tuesday, except for an initial reluctance to allow media access to the compound on the first day of the new health regime.

Police inside the compound estimated that 200 persons were in attendance. A senior staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated there was a slight increase in attendance over previous days.

"Maybe about five per cent more," she said.

The staff member assured that there were no problems as the increase was well within the facility's limits. She said, however, she was mindful of the fact that the situation could change and that she was prepared to make whatever adjustments were necessary.

Mixed reactions

There were mixed reactions from the public as a number of persons had high praises for the Government while others were critical of it sustaining the programme. Bernice Taylor, a 65-year-old resident of Torrington Park, said she thought the move was a good one for the poorer class, but noted that medication has always been the major factor in terms of cost and she hoped enough would be available.

Overall, it seemed a smooth transition, although one staff member at the clinic noted that many persons may be waiting to see the process in full effect.