Bauhinia Health officially opened its doors on Monday morning, marking the return of primary healthcare for more than 8000 people in Katherine.
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Gorge Health, Katherine's sole private GP clinic at the time, closed its doors in October, leaving most of the town without access to a doctor.
However, in January a long term health crisis was avoided when Bauhinia Health and Katherine Family Medical Practice announced their plans to open two new permanent clinics.
Bauhinia Health owner Anjali Palmer said the opening day was "very, very busy" and appointments are fully booked until April 12.
However, Ms Palmer said local residents have been patient as a backlog builds of people seeking long-awaited medical attention.
"Everyone has shown up... no complaints... people have been very accommodating."
She said the practice will be open on every day, with two doctors working at the clinic on Monday, Tuesday and Friday.
Ms Palmer said the clinic plans to have medical specialists and surgeons based in the building, and plans to host clinics from Hearing Australia as well as NT Cardiac.
Ms Palmer said Bauhinia Health will also regularly offer the following services:
- Screening
- Women's health
- Telehealth for clinical and mental health
- Pathology
- Optometry
- Audiology
Ms Palmer said residents have asked her if COVID-19 vaccinations will be available at the clinic, however she ruled this out on Monday and said they had not signed up with the NT Government to provide the jabs.
The NT Primary Health Network operated an interim GP clinic after Gorge Health closed.
Due to the opening of two new permanent clinics, NTPHN closed the interim service on Tuesday last week.
Katherine Family Medical Practice is set to open on April 12.
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