‘World-class’ services for Reg. 1 as sod turned for $4.4B Moruca Hospital

To improve residents’ access to  quality healthcare, the sod was on Tuesday turned to commence construction of a world- class $4.4 billion Moruca Regional Hospital in Region One (Barima-Waini).

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony travelled to the Moruca sub-district to participate in the historic activity.

The facility, which will be located at Three Miles, Moruca, is being built to the tune of $4.4 billion and is expected to be completed within 24 months.

The project will be executed by Chinese firm, PCI-Sinpharmintl Consortium.

It will feature 45 in-patient beds, a fully functional operational theatre to support cataract surgeries and C-section, laboratory services, outpatient specialised clinics, dialysis services, a maternity and pediatric unit, digital X-ray, CT and ultrasound, among other services.

The project forms part of the US$97 million Inter-Development Bank (IDB) loan, aimed at strengthening the country’s health care system.

Addressing those gathered, President Dr Irfaan Ali said Region One is full is potential and opportunities and the government is investing to ensure they are fulfilled.

“This morning, we gather not just to turn sod but to turn a new page of Moruca. A page which tells a story of transformation, empowerment and partnership,” Dr Ali said.

President Ali also noted the government has invested more than $52 billion to develop the various sectors in Region One.

Altogether, he said the investments are geared at ensuring the livelihood of every resident is enhanced.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, Dr Anthony said when completed, residents of Region One will no longer be required to travel far distances to access key health services.

“So the quality of health care would improve significantly because of the investment the government is making.

“No longer would you have to go anywhere because you would have a world-class facility in this region,” Dr Anthony said.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister also highlighted that healthcare is being expande across the country. According to him, the government is working to ensure that another six health facilities are operation by the end of this year and another twelve by next year.

Currently there are 56 health facilities in Region One.

And to enhance the services, he added that medical professionals, many of whom hail from communities within the regions have been trained.

The intention, Dr Anthony added, is to train at least 600 more persons under the nursing programmes.

“Development and happening and it is something you can see. It is visible,” he said.

The new Moruca Regional hospital is expected to benefit over 30,000 residents of Region One and Sections of Region Two.