St Vincent: Construction on Acute Referral Hospital to commence soon, signs agreement with Taiwan

St Vincent and the Grenadines: St Vincent and the Grenadines signed a significant agreement with the Taiwanese company, the OECC for the construction of an Acute Referral Hospital at Arnos Vale. The agreement was signed by the Prime Minister of the country, Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

As per the details, the hospital will be built on the northern side of the runway on the ET Joshua Tarmac. On 31st July, the OECC will take over the site and begin the construction process.

During the signing ceremony, the Minister of Health, St. Clair Prince shed light on the construction of the hospital. He stated that he is extremely grateful for the continued modernization of the health sector in the country.

The Minister also extended gratitude to the Government and the people of the Republic of China in Taiwan and expressed his confidence in the working of the OECC. He stated that he is sure that the construction firm will complete the hospital in its given time so that they can start the services of the hospital, providing efficient health services to all the citizens of the country. Notably, the total cost that will be utilized to construct and equip the hospital is estimated to be around US$110 million, and the time that will be taken by the OECC to complete the project is estimated to be 32 months.

While highlight about the new services and the benefits that can be availed with the construction of the hospital, he stated that the administration would allow to be better able to respond to public health emergencies. He stated that following the construction, the hospital would have access to expand its operation and introduce several new services.

The services include, Cardiology, Thyroid Services, Chronic Non-Communicable diseases, Neurology including enhance acute stroke care, enhanced Ophthalmology as well as major severe surgeries.

Moreover, the Minister of Health mentioned about Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and stated that it requires several changes in terms of its layout and functionality with a vision to expand the hospital. The construction work on the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital is expected to begin once the Acute Care Hospital will be opened and be available for the citizens.

The Minister stated that Milton Cato Memorial Hospital will be transformed into a Maternal Child and Health Centre of Excellence with a motive to enhance and modernise the health facilities in the country.