For years, Awal Medical Centre has been a trusted general practice for the people of Sarina.

With the help of Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), Awal Medical Centre was selected for a $300,000 Federal Government grant to enable the practice to provide additional infrastructure and appropriate space to enable rural and regional health practitioners to maintain and increase the level of services locally.

Dr Rajendra Awal, GP at Awal Medical Centre, said that with the help of the grant, they plan to make much-needed additions to the clinic to benefit the community and healthcare professionals.

“An additional three consultation rooms will be built, which will help in having the ability to continue to recruit registrars for training, and medical students will be able to receive adequate training from the supervisors as well,” Dr Awal said.

“Also planned for the practice is a dedicated training room with computers and projectors to provide teaching and training opportunities for a range of health professionals and students within the practice.

“Last but not least, an extended waiting room will be constructed which will be able to double after-hours as a conference room to help educate and promote health literacy within the community.”

Director and Practice Manager Yogita Awal personally thanked NQPHN for its assistance in the grant application process.

“I would like to thank NQPHN all for the support they gave us, and for providing a letter of support for the application as well,” she said.