Diagnostic and Dialysis centre given greenlight

Over the next week, ground works on the soon to be established Diagnostic and Dialysis Service Centre would be procceding with full speed.

On Tuesday, a nine member Cuban delegation was given a tour of the Georgetown site by Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves.{{more}}

Dr Ralph Gonsalves assured Vincentians that when the centre is completed in the next 16 months, it would be one of the most up to date facilities in St Vincent and the Grenadines and throughout the Eastern Caribbean. According to Dr. Gonsalves, the new centre will offer Dental services, X-rays, Opthalmology, Hemodialysis among other services.

The Prime Minister told the media the equipment for the centre has already been purchased and is in Cuba. He noted that the cost of equipment was appoximately EC$12 million, while the building would be constructed at a cost over EC$18million, with much aid coming from the Cuban government.

Described by Dr Gonsalves as “The centre piece of the health revolution”, he noted that the facility would be a teaching hospital. “This would be a facility used for teaching our nurses and doctors to help in the development of this country.”

Gonsalves said the Cuban Government has shown great interest in the project and is very supportive of the venture. He also noted that forty highly skilled workers would soon be delegated here to help with the construction of the project.

Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister, Felipe Perez Roque, said that with a Diagnostic centre here, the medical system in St Vincent and the Grenadines would be at a high standard. Roque said that his Government is committed to helping with such a worthwhile project. Roque further added that there is no doubt in his mind that the centre would be successful and looks forward to its completion.

Before the journey to Georgetown, visits were made to the North Union Secondary School, Colonaire District Clinic and the proposed site for the new International Airport at Argyle. The Prime took the time to thank the persons who cooperated fully with the government in relocating them to other areas. He warned other homeowners that they have until the end of November to evacuate the area or they would be removed. (KW)