Marigot hospital to start its services by the first quarter of next year

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, during his address on the 43rd Independence Day, noted the developments and accomplishments that Dominica achieved in its health sector. He said that a new hospital authority is being established to assure the provision of better patient care and improved customer service to Dominicans.

The prime minister stated that the construction of the Marigot hospital is complete and the facility is waiting for delivery of the equipment and furniture. The hospital will be fully equipped, and the citizens will be able to get access of medical facilities by the first quarter of next year.

Prime Minister noted that High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) machine will be commissioned in February 2022, which will offer the island’s Radiology Department all the features of a first-world imaging department while making Dominica the only Caribbean nation to have a HIFU machine.

Dominican Government is also partnering with the Brenda Stafford Foundation to develop its ophthalmology department. PM Skerrit cited that the Government is making arrangements with the University of Michigan to allow the country in install permanent pacemaker implants.

He added that out of the new Health and Wellness Centres, six are operational, while six others will be inaugurated by the first quarter of 2022. PM Skerrit also highlighted that for the new Health and Wellness Centres in Roseau, St. Joseph and Savanne Paille, designs are on the verge to get finalized.

He further outlined that two weeks ago, a new MRI machine was commissioned at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, which will assist in improving access and affordability of early detection and diagnostic services to all citizens.

While addressing the issue of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Prime Minister asserted, “Our Government is providing quality health care to all, it is necessary for all of us to self-care, by taking personal responsibility and investing in our own health”.

Following the statement, he added, “Reduce our intake of alcohol, cut out smoking, exercise regularly, & pursue other wholesome habits such as – participating in sports. This connection of sports to health and wellbeing is one of the reasons we continue to invest in the sporting infrastructure around the country”.

With this, the prime minister has called on the citizens to follow a healthy lifestyle so as to keep themselves healthy and fit and asked them to take their jabs of the COVID-19 vaccines and abide by the health protocols.

“Our mission is to enhance national vaccination rates & continue the decline of current infection rates,” PM Skerrit noted.